Here's what's holding me back from doing video/audio...input?

[Damien Roche]

I have always wanted to step into the world of video and audio. I believe I have a lot to share, and I have full confidence that there are many people out there who I could help.

BUT - I do have some issues when making video or audio for global use:

-I have a British accent.
-I am only 22 and my voice isn't all that deep.

Of course, having an audience in the uk is fine. But what about an American audience?

...my main question would be, does this matter?

To emphasize a little more (notice the z), say I was to create a series of about 20 videos (screen captures) teaching the technical aspects of internet marketing. Say these videos were quite long, would [you] Americans be able to bear it?

Also, is anyone else holding back from video and/or audio and they want to share why?

[alexshelton]

The Majority of my webinar/product audience is American and they've had to listen to me and my British buddy George on and off for almost 15 hours this month, I'm pretty sure it's no biggie.

My advice is to get a good microphone and record in a quiet room, give it a go! you'll be great

Alex

[Jay Jennings]

I can't find the link right now, but I read the results of a test that showed a British accent increased sales on a site vs an American voice.

I've thought of learning a British accent just so I can test it myself on my own sites.

My hunch is that a British accent wouldn't be a negative to the US market.

Whenever someone uses the "my voice isn't good enough" argument I always point toward Howard Cosell. Non-typical broadcast voice -- very successful. It's not the voice, it's the person behind it.

Jay Jennings

[Don Schenk]

I'm thinking back to my high school years. The Beatles had just hit. One fellow I know here in the States, learned the British accent so he could impress all the girls. :-)

I think you will find most Americans love the sound. BTW, I've been addicted to Dr. Who since the late 1970s.

:-Don

[Angela V. Edwards]

Yeah that's what I was thinking, Jay. A lot of Americans really like British accents. It's a plus, usually.

[new2ebiz]

I believe your accent should not be a problem at all. As long as your speech is understandable, your personality (which your speech is part of) could be a big plus!

I have more trouble when I get a audio clip or video that is too quiet or has sound problems (like static), than with anyone's accent. So as has been suggested use a good mike and an quiet room.
Another tip: keep your speech steady. Some new to recording their voice speak too quickly.

[Damien Roche]

Hey, thanks for the input and all the advice! Really appreciate it.

My main concern was also dependent on niche. I plan to move into a niche I'm extremely familiar with (self improvement) where I feel a young voice wouldn't be taken seriously.

[Chris Thompson]

Run your voice through a digital compressor tool, like in adobe audition or (free) audacity. You can boost the bass of your voice more. Americans love British accents. What's stopping you from doing this is fear. Get past it and enjoy success.

[Jay Jennings]

And, of course, the real answer is to test it. Record some web audio yourself, pay for an "American" to do the same script, and then split test those.

If it turns out the hired gun converts better, then don't listen to those of us who are saying, "Go for it!" =;)

That's about the only way you're going to KNOW the answer for sure.

Jay Jennings

[JohnMcCabe]

For all the folks who chimed in saying 'Americans love British accents'...

There's accents, and then there's accents.

One thing I noticed watching BBC America is that there isn't just one British accent. There are several, and to this American ear, some of them might as well be speaking Chinese.

And before anyone gets their back up, it's the same in the USA. Just picture the stereotype Jersey Goomba or Deep South Hillbilly or Texas Cowboy trying to record a technical video.

Neal Shearing has done very well for himself with the exact style of video Damien is proposing. Great information, but his delivery on the early videos was painful to listen to. So, Damien, having a British accent or a tone more tenor than bass is not the end of the world.

As Jay said, the only way to know for sure is to test...

[TLCarroll]

Originally Posted by Damien Roche

I have always wanted to step into the world of video and audio. I believe I have a lot to share, and I have full confidence that there are many people out there who I could help.

BUT - I do have some issues when making video or audio for global use:

-I have a British accent.
-I am only 22 and my voice isn't all that deep.

Of course, having an audience in the uk is fine. But what about an American audience?

...my main question would be, does this matter?

To emphasize a little more (notice the z), say I was to create a series of about 20 videos (screen captures) teaching the technical aspects of internet marketing. Say these videos were quite long, would [you] Americans be able to bear it?

Also, is anyone else holding back from video and/or audio and they want to share why?

NO, now get to work!

[Istvan Horvath]

On a related note: what do you, guys, think about the inevitable accent of non-native English speakers?
I don't mean something that bad that you can barely understand it... just the "foreign accent". Does that bother you?

Once I was told by a native English speaker that I always confuse them: here is an immigrant with an accent, yet he uses correct grammar
For most people that seems to be a paradox.

(if you want to get a taste of it, see the squeeze page of my pension report)

[Orris]

Bring it on!
And be yourself.
I'm just now starting to use screen capture video. Really cool stuff.
I don't like my voice and I have to record several takes to get it "right".
Be just do it.
And one more thing,
Be yourself.