You guys think that I should be making videos and stuff even tho I am not a native english speaker?

[Marian Berghes]

Hi guys.

So here's the deal: I am preparing to put up a new opt-in page and I wanted to do a video on the front page instead of just plain text.

The problem is that I am not a native english speaker, and I am young too.

I would love to do video but I think I sound horrible.

Do you guys think that people will close the page when they hear my voice? Or that they won't take me seriously because of it?

Thank you

[Suzanne Morrison]

Hi Marian,

I've listened to many IM videos by non native English speakers and it has never put me off.

It would only put me off if I was struggling to understand them.

Maybe you should put up a quick sample and see what people think - it is hard to comment if we have not actually heard your voice

Cheers,
Suzanne

[Chris Thompson]

I think you should give it a shot. The KEY is planning what you say and rehearsing it a few times. Record the audio separate from the video and overlay it later. Be clear, take your time in speaking (not rushed) and read the script naturally (no umm, ahhh, and other filler words).

If you are worried about your accent then resent it up front as a reality. Say "I realize my English sounds different than that of a native speaker, so bear with me while I deliver this important message" .. something like that. If you acknowledge the "problem" up front you've disarmed its. You build rapport that way also.

Voice being too young? Just practice sounding the way you want.

[Marian Berghes]

I already thought of saying it upfront that I'm not a native english speaker.

I will try and put up a short audio.

[bizideas]

Originally Posted by Suzanne Morrison

Hi Marian,

Maybe you should put up a quick sample and see what people think - it is hard to comment if we have not actually heard your voice

Cheers,
Suzanne

Yeah, that's a good point. Attach a sample of something so we can hear
your eloquence.

It really is all about confidence. Just launch right into the video without a care or insecurity, and that will harbor trust among your viewers.

Maybe have a couple shots beforehand?

[Arted4Life]

Originally Posted by Suzanne Morrison

Hi Marian,

I've listened to many IM videos by non native English speakers and it has never put me off.

It would only put me off if I was struggling to understand them.

Maybe you should put up a quick sample and see what people think - it is hard to comment if we have not actually heard your voice

Cheers,
Suzanne

Yep, we need to see an example before anyone can make a decision. But, I wouldn't worry about it too much, you probably think you sound a lot worse then you do. Trust me.

Originally Posted by Chris Thompson

I think you should give it a shot. The KEY is planning what you say and rehearsing it a few times. Record the audio separate from the video and overlay it later. Be clear, take your time in speaking (not rushed) and read the script naturally (no umm, ahhh, and other filler words).

If you are worried about your accent then resent it up front as a reality. Say "I realize my English sounds different than that of a native speaker, so bear with me while I deliver this important message" .. something like that. If you acknowledge the "problem" up front you've disarmed its. You build rapport that way also.

Voice being too young? Just practice sounding the way you want.

Plenty of great advice in that post. It doesn't matter if you have an accent or not, what matters is if you look confidant and comfortable. If you do, you won't have any problems.

[Josh Semke]

You shouldn't worry about how you sound, how you look, how you speak, etc. and let that keep you in the way of making videos. We are often harder on ourselves than others are. I'd say go for it.

However, if nobody can understand you, you may want to outsource it.

[Tracey_Meagher]

Practice doing the video and listening back to yourself A LOT. Once you've heard yourself speak on videos more than a couple of dozen times, you'll loose that "ugghh, I sound horrible" feeling. Trust me, I've been there. It gets easier the more you do it.

[Marian Berghes]

Audio:

Ok here it is http://www.trilulilu.ro/Rhypo/86b26b96b63083

Of course its not gonna sound exactly like that, I am going to work on it abit...but thats the general idea.

[Hilary Keaton]

Go for it, and test your results - video vs text - got to be worth a try.

[dynamicwealth]

I agree give it a shot and just do a split test to see which site converts better.

[Rob Thayer]

I would recommend that you do NOT apologize for being a non-native English speaker. As long as you can be understood, there should be no issue... in fact, I find accents to be charming in a way. What really matters is the value of your information, which should speak for itself.

If you are still really uncomfortable, how about offering a transcript that goes along with the video? That way, people can just read along if they are having trouble understanding you. Or you could write a script and pay someone here to do the voice work/video for you.

[StevieHawk]

I remember when I was making my video...I was thinking to myself no way!!! I don't sound like that do i?

Most people do not like their own voice when they hear it through video or audio. Even though I am a native English speaker I speak with an accent that not everyone can understand so I had to slow it down and swap my words.

As people said above split test between text and video. You should give it a go though as it will be a good educational experience for you.

[Asher]

I transcribe everything I say into a video and I put it up.

(Here's a sample: Work From Home And Make Money Online Home Based Business)

So far, I've got people who thank me for a good video.
The ones who think I suck probably are too lazy to tell me
(*grin* good, keep it that way, I like to have a healthy ego).

And I'm no native English speaker. I'm from Singapore... we're
known to have our own mutation of the English language -
we call it "Singlish".

I say, go for it.

The internet has evolved in such a way that it accepts
people from all around the world.

.... except if you have a voice that hints you're from Nigeria.
The damage done by all the scam letters make it hard for
Nigerians to succeed, in my opinion.

Asher

[cgallagher93]

I say you give it a try.

I've never been that comfortable doing video in the past, but I've got used to it now.

I'd go for it man. If people are that impatient that they can't forgive a man's acsent, then they really aren't worth doing business with.

Then again, if they can't tell what you're saying then it's a different story altogether. Give it a try. I agree with StevieHawk. Be sure to split-test and you can't go wrong

[Istvan Horvath]

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

Audio:

Myvoicex - Free MP3 Stream on IMEEM Music

Of course its not gonna sound exactly like that, I am going to work on it abit...but thats the general idea.

The problem is that site wants me to sign up or login... but that won't happen. Sorry, too much trouble for me in order to help you.

Otherwise I'd say go for it - you will not be the first one with an accent (hint: look at my Pension Report squeeze page ). Don't forget: everybody has an accent, yours is just different...

[bizideas]

Hey Marian,

What's with the login screen?

[rapidscc]

I agree with what was mentioned about having confidence..

And also not apologizing because English is not your first language..

I find that those who are confident when doing videos, however they speak are nice to watch. Just speak clearly because if it can't be understood then you beat the purpose of having the video..

To Your Success!

Raul Omar Diaz

[Loren Woirhaye]

Dunno Marian. I say if this guy can do it you should
give it a go. His accent is really pronounced.

YouTube - Defining Your Niche

[AmyBrown]

I listened to the audio and I think your accent is charming! You were easy to understand and your voice doesn't sound overly young. I'd proceed with the video and evaluate the results.

[Todd Sampson]

I agree with AmyBrown. I listened to the audio and didn't have any problems
understanding you. Go for it and start making some videos.

-Todd Sampson

[Istvan Horvath]

I see you moved the audio to a site where it can be listened to without login. Thx.

As another non-native English speaker I can understand you clearly. To be honest, I have watched videos with way worse accent... but with more self-confidence than yours

Go ahead and make the videos!
(dă-i bătaie, mă băiete...)

[Marian Berghes]

Thank you very much for the input guys...guess I'm gonna start working on it now.

@Pension Guy, you know romanian dude? nice

[senatl]

Maybe you not being a native English speaker could tie into the video and actually drive more traffic. You know some Americans are suckers for accents (even though to the outside US, we have accents!)

I think your accent is cute

[Rob Thayer]

Your voice was just fine. I had no trouble understanding you whatsoever.

Now get to work on your opt-in page!

[travlinguy]

Your voice sounds just fine. If you've got valuable info to offer, go for it! Good Luck!

[Matt Maiden]

Marian,

I agree with the others that said your voice was fine.

Have a question though. Have you already looked into the Romanian speaking niches and decided that there is not enough money to be made there?

You know, if you start now, you can be the Frank Kern of Romania

You don't have to give up your English speaking projects but I wouldn't write Romania off.

Matt

[Floyd Fisher]

Marian:

Don't get good, get started, then as you practice you'll get better than you ever thought you could.

[Rob Thayer]

You know, I can hardly understand a thing that Arnold Schwarzenegger says and he made it all the way to Governor of California. So go for it!

[Marian Berghes]

I tried the romanian market, but 95% of the people in my country only think that you can make money with e-commerce store and the rest is a scam.

And the online market in general is just so small...I can honestly say that only about 10%-20% tops of my country population does online shopping.

I did some surveys and some stuff and I only got responses like "Im only buying electronics or gifts"...and I don't wanna go into that.

Another thing is that the laws are kinda stupid...Ex: If I want affiliates, I have to sign a written contract with each one of them and they have to be a legal entity.

And thank you for all the encouragement

Maybe in the future I will, but not in the next 2-3 years for sure.

[Istvan Horvath]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

[...] but I wouldn't write Romania off.

I would. As well as all the Eastern European countries - at least at this moment. Regardless whether they are EU members or not.
1. There is not enough disposable income
2. There is not sufficient internet penetration (approx. 33% of population; conf. US - 75%; Canada 72%)
3. Lack of stability in laws and regulations
4. 60-70% of the usual "marketing tricks" just don't work over there (cultural differences)

[Matt Maiden]

Originally Posted by The Pension Guy

1. There is not enough disposable income

Interesting.

Marian you are still in Romania right?

How did you figure out how to make money in the English speaking countries?

You don't think other Romanians like you would want to learn what you are doing?

To be able to make a better life for themselves just like you?

I realize it's small now, but like I said if you start now by the time Romanians start making money, you'll be the Frank Kern of Romanian Marketing.

Well, you guys obviously know more about it than me.

Matt

[Habitat]

As long as you are understandable there shouldn't be a problem!

[Steven Wagenheim]

Hey Marian, ever hear what I sound like on my videos?

Think scratchy 78 RPM meets fingernails on blackboard.

Hasn't stopped me any, and I've had plenty of compliments on my videos
because they're straight forward, to the point, and deliver on their promise.

Give people something that will truly help them and they won't give a flyin
flip what you sound like.

[sf_Imtiaz]

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

Hi guys.

So here's the deal: I am preparing to put up a new opt-in page and I wanted to do a video on the front page instead of just plain text.

The problem is that I am not a native english speaker, and I am young too.

I would love to do video but I think I sound horrible.

Do you guys think that people will close the page when they hear my voice? Or that they won't take me seriously because of it?

Thank you

I've heard the audio and it sounds fine. I didn't have to struggle to understand what you are saying, so if you can prepare a script and stick to it there's no reason it will put a negative effect on your conversion.

Alternatively, and it's just and idea not an affiliate link, you can hire one of these Video Spokes Model and have them do a video for your site. (not my website)

[Marian Berghes]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Hey Marian, ever hear what I sound like on my videos?

Think scratchy 78 RPM meets fingernails on blackboard.

Hasn't stopped me any, and I've had plenty of compliments on my videos
because they're straight forward, to the point, and deliver on their promise.

Give people something that will truly help them and they won't give a flyin
flip what you sound like.

Thanks again for the input guys

@Matthew Maiden thats not the problem, they would...but they want it for free or VERY VERY cheap and If possible to guide them one on one.

Its just too much of a hassle and too much of a headache to deal with it.

[Chris Thompson]

Your voice sounds great. Use a lot of emphasis and energy when you speak. The pace at which you spoke in the demo is quite good. Put some energy into it, exaggerate the clarity of your words, and you'll sound awesome.

You do NOT sound that young, BTW.

[SurviveUnemployment]

Go for it, man! People love funky foreign accents. You could be like the "wild and crazy guys" that Steve Martin and Dan Akroyd portrayed back in the '70s. Play it up and be like, "Hey, I can speak your language. Can you speak mine?" Then they'll think you're smarter than they are. Can you say "credibility boost?" I knew you could!

[ildarius]

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

Audio:

Ok here it is my voice - Trilulilu Audio Diverse

Of course its not gonna sound exactly like that, I am going to work on it abit...but thats the general idea.

voice is fine man, have nothing to worry about

[webmaestro]

Hi Marian,

1. I listened to your recording and your voice is fine; an obvious accent, yes, but so what - I know English guys who often can't understand the Scots, Irish & Welsh when they're speaking English! Worse, they often can't understand Brummies (from Birmingham), Geordies (from Newcastle) and Scousers (from Liverpool) ... and they're ALL English! So don't worry about it. I understood you perfectly. I wish I spoke another language as well as you.

2. If you are REALLY concerned about reducing your accent (or more sensibly just to check you aren't grossly mispronouncing words) try finding a few native English speakers on Skype who will talk with you on a regular basis (I'd be happy to) to highlight any pronunciation errors. Accents are rarely the problem - REALLY - severe mispronunciation can however be a barrier to clear communication of ideas. It didn't sound like you had that problem though.

3. Stick with standing in front of the "rabid crowd WITH MONEY" & who want (& can afford) to buy whatever it is you can offer them that they want/need - VERY sensible

4. Try & take some Romanians with you on the journey too though by offering them SOME crumbs of comfort (for free) - the more you can give them free now, the more they'll buy from you later. But you're right, make money first from those WITH money - generally they're everywhere West of you (with a few exceptions).

5. Finally, as some have said already, just practice lots with a written script so that it becomes second nature. If it doesn't sound good enough (to you) you can always re-record. Don't forget, you can always record (& re-record) the audio in bits then string them together afterwards as a voice-over. Use Windows Movie maker (or equivalent) to construct a decent audio timeline that you post-sync to any video. Keep any video shots of yourself short so that you are less likely to get tongue tied and have to re-do long sections.

BTW some of the biggest Internet marketing gurus: Ewen Chia, Richard Tan, Alok Jain (& many others) all of whom I recently heard speak in London, have quite strong accents, but they didn't have a problem being understood.

Good luck - let us know how you get on.

Best regards.

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

Audio:

Ok here it is my voice - Trilulilu Audio Diverse

Of course its not gonna sound exactly like that, I am going to work on it abit...but thats the general idea.

Perfectly fine. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[Lutz80]

yes plenty off people like you do well doing so.

[Marian]

If you have time, then go for it definitely! :-) I've heard some terrible voices and they still sell lots of stuff on their websites :-)

Just like you - I hardly find anybody who buys this kind of stuff here in my country, it just needs some more time... in the meantime we simply sell to the rest of the world :-)

Good luck.

Marian (as well!)

[ken_p]

Originally Posted by Suzanne Morrison

Hi Marian,

I've listened to many IM videos by non native English speakers and it has never put me off.

It would only put me off if I was struggling to understand them.

Maybe you should put up a quick sample and see what people think - it is hard to comment if we have not actually heard your voice

Cheers,
Suzanne

I totally agree with suzanne. The only important thing in a video is that you are understandble.

[Pnigro]

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

Dunno Marian. I say if this guy can do it you should
give it a go. His accent is really pronounced.

YouTube - Defining Your Niche

LOL that guy is awesome lololol!!!

[copywarrior]

Hey there,
Be confident. If you don't have a confident voice/tone, your video may not be very effective. So, even if you're not a native English speaker, don't sound nervous and make the viewers/listeners feel you don't know what you're doing.
Remember, a video will not make the necessary impact even if a native English speaker includes a lot of uhhs and umms and pauses and sounds shaky.

Also, what you can do is (in case you're not confident about your English) you can get the text written by some who knows how to write, read it out loud till you sound confident enough and then start recording your audio/video.

Good ahead mate,
Just do it,

Hope this helps,

Sincerely,
Jay B.

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

Hi guys.

So here's the deal: I am preparing to put up a new opt-in page and I wanted to do a video on the front page instead of just plain text.

The problem is that I am not a native english speaker, and I am young too.

I would love to do video but I think I sound horrible.

Do you guys think that people will close the page when they hear my voice? Or that they won't take me seriously because of it?

Thank you

[Asher]

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

Dunno Marian. I say if this guy can do it you should
give it a go. His accent is really pronounced.

YouTube - Defining Your Niche

Ooh, I love it. Heh. For some reason, he reminds me of
Howie Schwartz.

But this guy brings a bigger smile =)

Asher

[sridhar]

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

Dunno Marian. I say if this guy can do it you should
give it a go. His accent is really pronounced.

YouTube - Defining Your Niche

I know I shouldn't be...but I was laughing my ass off when watching this video. Thanks for the entertainment.

[Matt Maiden]

Originally Posted by Marian Berghes

...but they want it for free or VERY VERY cheap and If possible to guide them one on one.

Gee, wonder where I've heard that before

Matt