Video Voice
I just wondered how many of the WA community have a video voice.
I make educational videos for my YouTube channel and do the talky bits myself. However, I’m from the North of England and I could easily slip back into a rich Northern accent. Ilkley Moor bar t’at and all that.
My question is … does it matter what the accent is. I can’t ever hide my accent but I can try and moderate it so that folks can understand it. And if the accent doesn’t matter, would it be understood by a Southerner if it was too full of northern words and expressions.
Have a listen to Fred Dibnah on YouTube. He was a famous steeplejack and demolition man. As kids we were lucky enough to see him working in our town. You will get a hint of his Northern accent and this is Fred putting on his Video Voice. If he were to talk proper Bolton, you wouldn’t have a chance.
For many years, I lived and worked in the Black Country, so called because some 19th Century writer took one look at all the black smoke coming out of the factory chimneys, at all the soot settling on the buildings and the filthy faces of the chain makers and foundry workers and declared that this was the blackest part of the country.
Their accent is almost unintelligible to an outsider, Black Country Spake, and then there is Yam Yam just a few miles down the road. Why are there so many regional accents in so few miles. I often wonder.
So back to the original question, does it matter if we have an accent or should we try and talk “posh” on the videos. As my grandmother would say, I’ll just put on my telephone voice.
I remember visiting my mother one day, in her early dementia days. I don’t know what is wrong with this telephone she said. I’ve been trying to phone Mavis for 30 minutes and it won’t ring.
That’s because you’re using the TV remote mum. Bless her. We both laughed, what else could we do as she slowly lost her memory.
So come on.
What’s the best voice for videos, has anyone used one of these electronic versions.
Please let me know
Bux
Recent Comments
39
It's impossible to please everyone as there are so many accents. Even publishing books, we have American English, British English...etc.
For me, I am branding myself so I want them to hear my voice.
When I do get my own personal books written and published, they will be written just as I speak even if something would not be grammatically correct, because those who really know me will read it more as if it really is me speaking through the words. That's my take, Bux!
Mel
And your take on it is correct Mel.
I had to ask the question as it had been buzzing around for a while. I think I know what to do now, I've had some really good answers off everyone.
Bux
Thanks Bux! It never hurts to get feedback. Sometimes, deep down we know the answer, but we need to have it articulated by someone else for the light bulb to light up. :-)
Mel
That is exactly it, now you've said it.
Hope you are improving your situation day by day.
Take care.
Bux
Everyone has an accent to someone from another country. I'm an Aussie and I make videos so a very large slice of whoever watches will hear my accent and likely think it is weird or at least different to what they are used to. But I just try to speak eloquently, with the view to being understood by all regardless of accent. I am conscious of the Australianisms and try to be very clear.
I did experiment with some electronic versions but decided I was happy enough with my own voice, and it's easier (and faster) to just speak:)
I know that most of the videos I see/hear are not from Australians and accents don't bother me at all, in fact I find them endearing, so long as the speech is clear.
Let us know how you go!
Cheers
Melissa
Some really good advice and opinions here Melissa. Thanks for the response, really appreciated.
Bux
Bux, I think accents are fine and that's what makes your training unique. Do not try to put on a "posh" voice, rather just try not to use the idiosyncratic language of the Black Country but speak in plain language that your students will understand.
Use your own accent, Bux! It make is REAL! I watch some videos to hear what my WA friends sound like, and I have never been disappointed yet! Your accent is what makes you unique!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff. It's interesting that everyone is saying use your own voice. I just wanted to have a fish around and see what pople thought, so this feedback is great.
Thanks
Bux
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To be fair Dave, whatever accent you use you will piss someone off. I personally hate the sound of my voice and despite the fact I havent lived in Manchester for fifty years I still have the long "U's" as in vulture or culture. Yet, I get people tell me they love my voice.
Best thing to do is decide if you are branding you, if you are go ahead and use your own voice
Thanks Catherine. I left Manchester many moons ago but as all my family was Mancunian I obviously maintained the accent. Even now folk will ask me ... are you red rose or white.
Reading all these great replies I will carry on as I am, just concentrate more on correct enunciation.
Which part of Manchester are you from. I was born at 36 Prestage Street, Old Trafford. And it's still there, escaped the redevelopment bulldozers.
Take care
Dave