In ep 171 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Beau Thomas joins Sam and Mark to talk about accents... how not to do them, how to perfect the subtlety of an accent, and how an accent can match your own speech cadence. We look at how to create a theatrical performance for the mic - when it's asked for, we bring a touch of camp to underscore a performance, and we look at how to deal with a script that has very definitive direction. You'll learn how to create the perfect accent without panicking, why listenig is crucial, and why less is more when you need to pull an accent out of the bag.

Our question is all about accents as well! Is mastering an accent about natural ability, or just pure hard work?

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 [email protected]

Script 1

OK, in you come, don’t be shy—mind the step, love. This is Stage One.

SFX: Lights flick on—low electrical hum.

Ahhh, there we are. This was built in 1934. Proper golden-age glamour. Bit dusty now, but honestly—aren’t we all?

This is where they made “At the Villa Rose” and “Rookery Nook”. See that mark on the floor? Stand there, it’s the centre mark. Now, imagine the lights, the cameras… the heat… gorgeous.

Right, follow me—stick close. If you wander off, you’ll end up in a prop cupboard married to a mannequin. It’s happened.

Script 2

Time… it is the Essence of Mastery

Through every thoughtful approach

A lesson is instilled

In every move (pause) a calculated risk

Progress isn’t given (slight pause)

It’s earned

Through patience

Through precision

Through time

That, is how you become a master, of time.

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About our guest:

Beau Thomas has been doing VO since 2019. He's booked roles in video games including Killer Inn and Path of Exile 2), as well as corporate videos, commercials and his workhorse: audiobooks!

What makes Beau stand out as a VO is his accent work - he'll basically have a go at any accent with enough prep time. He prides himself on being able to access relatability and genuine connection to text in any accent - rather than just engaging in stereotype!

Beau was listed by 50Pros as a top 50 Independent Voice Talent but the work he’s proudest of is a collaboration with National Star and West Midlands Ambulance to help give a man with cerebral palsy a voice that captured his Birmingham accent in time for his wedding day.

Beau's Website

@BeauThomasVO on Instagram

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

Details about Accentify - https://www.accentify.co.uk/

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