Episode 139

Michael Ashtiany: The one with the Cat Called Dave!

In ep 139 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Michael Ashtiany joins Sam and Mark to talk about judging a read properly depending the demographic of the audience... Making a story so a script is easy to follow... How to nail a "being bored" read and how having a connection to the subject matter can make all the difference to your delivery. We also meet a demonic cat, a psychotic PE teacher and there's a script about sleep that'll make you sit up wide awake!

Our VO question this week is all about keeping positive when perhaps the industry can feel a little negative at times!

Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam's social media or email it directly to podcast@britishvoiceover.co.uk

Script 1

I would like to point out I am not illiterate.

Diagnosing the actual problem is pretty much the v - e - t's sole function in society but alas on this occasion I doubt she's going to be of very much assistance.

[a demonic cat miaow/hiss]

I feel the need to point out that I am not in the least bit psychotic, I am in fact demonically possessed. There is a big difference.


Script 2

About an hour and a half before bed, it helps to start winding down.

Falling asleep isn’t like flicking a switch, it’s more like slowly turning down a dimmer. A little routine before bed tells your body, okay, time to switch off.

And in the morning? Here’s the tough bit…when the alarm goes, get up right away. I know, it feels brutal. That groggy, heavy-eyed feeling has a name…sleep inertia. But snoozing only makes it worse. The best fix? Get up, get moving, and shake it off.


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About our guest:

Michael Ashtiany is a multi-award nominated voice actor from Manchester, but now lives in France! He's been in the industry for 8 years and has voiced for brands including Amnesty International, Netflix, Paypal, and Amex. He's a passionate sports fan, particularly football, and has loved voicing his team Manchester United, as well F1 and Rugby League. He's also big on the voiceover podcast scene too... co-hosting the Off Air Voiceover Podcast.

Michael's Website

@manchester_vo on Instagram

@manchester__vo on X


Resources: Click here for the Wildcard Generator and don't forget to think of an action your character can be doing!


About your hosts:

With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark Ryes has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world’s biggest brands. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it Mark's British voice. As a voiceover, TV presenter, podcaster or product demonstrator - Mark makes your brand truly sparkle!

Mark's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/britishvoiceovermark

Elegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha Boffin helps creatives and production companies create great audio that really connects with their audience. BBC-trained and with over 20 years of broadcast experience on both sides of the mic, she's created award-winning promos, narration and commercials for companies all around the globe, including the BBC, Sky, Games Workshop, John Lewis, Audible and Penguin Random House.

Samantha's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffin

About the Podcast

Show artwork for How Do You Say That?!
How Do You Say That?!
A fun podcast showing there are unlimited ways to read a script - sponsored by https://britishvoiceover.co.uk/ - and recommended by Radio Times magazine.

About your hosts

Profile picture for Mark Ryes

Mark Ryes

With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world’s biggest brands. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it Mark's British voice.
As a voiceover, TV presenter, podcaster or product demonstrator - Mark makes your brand truly sparkle!
Profile picture for Samantha Boffin

Samantha Boffin

Elegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha helps creatives and production companies create great audio that really connects with their audience.

BBC-trained and with over 20 years of broadcast experience on both sides of the mic, she's created award-winning promos, narration and commercials for companies all around the globe, including the BBC, Sky, Games Workshop, John Lewis, Audible and Penguin Random House.