How Do You Say That?!

In ep 193 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Christian Starr joins Sam and Mark to talk about a dating script that could be horribly patronising to the listener if it weren't firmly tongue in cheek and how finding the right words of direction is so important to the final feel of a piece.

We have a sharp discussion on what really makes a Film Noir style, and whether Mark can actually pull it off (you decide!), we ponder how a phrase like "ta-da" in a script as an exclamation can lead you to be a little more jazz-hands than is entirely comfortable, and Christian brings a script that at first reading makes no sense at all... until you realise that a glizzy and a gagger are both nicknames for a hotdog!!

Our wildcards consist of a bedraggled cat, an Eastern European Igor and the tale of the last man on the planet!

Our VO question this week is all about what other ways you can bring your work to public attention.

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

Of course - it is always tempting after a long day at the office to go home, snuggle down on the sofa with your pjs and a lovely hot chocolate and binge watch your favourite shows. But, I can assure you that Mr - or Mrs - Right is not waiting for you at the bottom of your mug, ready to appear like a prize - ta dah! - when you have finished your drink.

Your date is waiting out there in the Big Wide World. It’s time to get up off your sofa and get out there.

Script 2

Most people think the PGA is a golf thing

Most people are wrong.

In the city of Love, an ancient order stands watch over the franks and weenies.

They judge every glizzy.

They defend the sacred casing.

And when a sausage is wrongly-filled, over-dressed or under-grilled, they answer the call. But tonight, something has awakened in the Métro. The trains are meat. The meat is stuffing.

This is the story of the Paris Gagger Alliance.

We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

Christian Starr is an American voice artist, actor, and performer based in Paris. His work spans commercials, video games, live performance, and screen acting, with credits for L’Oréal, Dove, Jeep, Capgemini, Accor, Ubisoft, and Digixart. He is currently the live voice of Stitch in Stitch Live! at Disneyland Paris, voiced multiple characters in Digixart’s new release Tides of Tomorrow, as well as their award-winning title Road 96.

Working in English, native-level Norwegian, and French (with a viking accent), Christian records from his broadcast-ready studio. He is also a member of Les Voix, the French association of professional voice artists, which advocates for performers’ rights, ethical use of voices, and professional standards in the industry. He lives in a beautiful old house with his British wife and French daughter, and has a weakness for making elaborate, absurd birthday videos for his family overseas.

Christian's Website

@christian_starr_lassen on Instagram

Christian on YouTube

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

Short trailer for Episode 193 of "How Do You Say That" sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk featuring Mark Ryes, Samantha Boffin and Christian Starr.

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

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

In ep 192 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Donna-Louise Bryan joins Sam and Mark to talk about how words of direction have a different effect on different people - not everyone will respond to conversational the same way! We ask how light you have to go when your narrator is a teen, but you are not... and in a corporate - does the direction "friendly and conversational" always go together? If you're told NOT conversational... how easy is it to be overly serious? We have a message for nurses that everyone should take heed of and we also horse around in the wildcards alongside a knowing old woman and a beautiful butterfly!

Our VO question this week is all about what accents are most in demand!

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

Katherine and I started the journey back to the manor house. I looked at the scenery around me, the dusty road lit by a full moon, silhouettes of bushes and black trees either side of us. The air, slightly chilled from the night, felt clean and fresh.

Katherine sighed heavily. “Is it me or does the world seem different now?”

“Everything seems different.”

Silence hung between us and we rode like that for the first mile or so. I could almost feel the question before she asked it.

Script 2

Nursing is essential.

The profession is diverse and complex.

But nursing skills and responsibilities are often unseen and undervalued.

To be paid fairly, we have to know our own worth.

But how do you measure the value of your work?

The work you do should be defined by your job description. When did you last look at yours?

Knowledge, skills and responsibilities grow.

What you are required to do in your role may have evolved, and your employer must keep job descriptions accurate and up to date.

We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

Donna-Louise Bryan is a British voice actor with a warm, clear and versatile voice. Originally from the North Midlands, she offers neutral British RP alongside gentle Midlands and General Northern accents. Her voiceover work spans commercials, corporate, gaming and character performance, with clients including Aardman Animation, Roblox, Nike, Amazon, Microsoft, Tesco and the NHS.

She is also an experienced corporate presenter, regularly working on autocue-led projects for major brands and organisations. Alongside her voice work, Donna has appeared in a number of TV and film productions, and is keen to continue developing her work in gaming, animation and performance-led character roles. She records from her purpose-built Oxfordshire studio and is represented by Damn Good Voices.

Donna-Louise's Website

Donna-Louise's Facebook page

@donnalouisevoiceactorpresenter on Instagram

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

Short trailer for Episode 192 of "How Do You Say That" sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk featuring Mark Ryes, Samantha Boffin and Donna-Louise Bryan.

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

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

In ep 191 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Tracy-Ann Leith joins Sam and Mark to talk about the right side of caring for a mental health charity script. How can you be empathetic without tipping into saccharine? As it was National Poetry Day yesterday, we have a script all about Mary Shelly, and the very unorthodox things that happened to her husband's body! There's amusement in the script, but also a deep emotional bond. Our wildcards cover the girlguides, a bored museum tourguide, and a guide as to how not to behave on a blind date.

Our VO question this week is all about what producers and directors should think about when they hire a neurodivergent voice actor.

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

Trelawny gave the heart to Mary Shelley, and it was found among her things when she died and buried with her at St. Peter’s Church in Bournemouth. So while Shelley’s ashes are over in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome, his heart is in England.

Keeping a physical memento of a loved one was considered pretty unremarkable in the 19th century. And it wasn’t unheard of for a person’s heart to be buried separately to the rest of the body. Chopin’s heart was preserved in a crystal jar (which the Nazis later stole). Thomas Hardy’s heart was cut out to be buried in his hometown of Stinsford, Dorset, but was then part-eaten by a cat.

Script 2

Everyone should have access to quality mental health care, no matter where they live or what circumstances they‘re in. But where do people turn?

Mental health affects everyone, including health-care workers, but finding the right support when you need it in a way you can access it is harder than it looks.

For many people, seeking help means knocking on a lot of doors at a time when their resources are already depleted. Finding no clear pathway, meeting one barrier after another, they often give up before getting the mental health care they need.

We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

Tracy-Ann is an award-winning bilingual voice actor, based in Montreal, Canada, specialising in commercial and corporate narration. She's worked on various projects for brands like Audible, Yves Rocher, Ubisoft and the Government of Canada. Since her ADHD & Autism late-diagnosis, she has become an advocate in raising awareness for the neurodivergent community.

Tracy-Ann's Website

Tracy-Ann on YouTube

Tracy-Ann's Facebook page

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

Short trailer for Episode 191 of "How Do You Say That" sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk featuring Mark Ryes, Samantha Boffin and Tracy-Ann Leith.

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

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

We're on our summer hols! So here's a repeat of one of our favourite episodes of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, when George Weightman joined Sam and Mark in November 2025 to talk about the world of character creation for video games - oh, and Peppa Pig!

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

Christmas Eve, 1853.

Step into the heart of Victorian London… where darkness comes alive. The candles gutter, the snow falls, and somewhere in the fog — a whisper calls your name.

This holiday season, journey beyond the ordinary — into a world of ghosts and forgotten tales. Where every spirit has a story to share.

Discover the magic in every haunting at “The Christmas Séance”…

Listen. The ghosts are waiting.

Script 2

'I don't care if the workshop scares you. Deliver the gold or face your punishment.'

'If any of you see Midas in the field, you know where to aim. I want those golden hands mounted on the walls of my study.'

'Then why are you talking and not shooting!'

'There are outlaws in my home...what am I paying you for? ELIMINATE THEM!'

'If you want to become wealthy beyond imagining, Bring me the man with the golden hands.'

We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

George Weightman was awarded Voice Artist of the Year 2025 at the One Voice Awards UK and Best Actor in an Indie Film at the New York Film Awards. Having trained in the UK and Russia, George has used his extensive versatility, both vocally and physically, to develop a career in screen acting, voice over and motion capture.

His roles include Obelix in the ongoing series of Asterix & Obelix games, the lead villain of Spencer in the British indie feature film 'Tiny Little Voices', Fletcher Kane in 'Fortnite' and Daddy & Grandpa Pig in 'Peppa Pig Tales'. He also played a guest lead on the BBC's 'Doctors', was award nominated for his roles in 'Black Myth Wukong' and contributed to the BAFTA winning game 'Metaphor: ReFantazio’, among many others.

He has also narrated over 70 audiobooks.

George's Website

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

We're on our summer hols! So here's a repeat of one of our favourite episodes of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, when Noni Lewis joined Sam and Mark in April 2024 to talk about approaching royal docs, the beauty of the Welsh accent, and we get steamy at a builder's merchants!

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

Elizabeth's most treasured corgi was Susan, who was gifted to the Princess on her 18th birthday in 1944.

Susan quickly became Elizabeth's constant companion and loyal friend through thick and thin.

She was so attached to Susan that she insisted on taking her along on her honeymoon with Prince Philip in 1947, hiding the dog under a pile of blankets in their carriage to the station directly after the wedding.

Their bond was unbreakable, transcending even the formalities of royal protocol.

Script 2

We’re H.O.T. - the Builders Merchants with gorgeous supplies.

From sumptuous bricks, made with real sweat and tears, to mouth-watering timber and plumbing supplies to get you all hot and sweaty.

We’ve got free local delivery, and charming experts on-hand to seduce you.

Hot Property Builders - now open on Colchester Avenue, Cardiff. Minimum spend applies to free delivery.

We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

Noni Lewis is a bilingual Welsh actor, voiceover, writer and director with a 25 year background in theatre and voice. Over the years she has become the go-to voice for all things Welsh as well as continuing to perform a diverse range of accents and characters alongside regular corporate and commercial work. Noni has voiced for the BBC, S4C, Aardman, and many other clients in promos, movies, cartoons, radio plays, live radio performances, poetry readings and everything in-between.

Noni's Website

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

In ep 190 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Lozza Gilbert joins Sam and Mark to talk about a dystopian future that smooshes Mad Max and Grange Hill together in a challenging dramatic script! We learn what you need to ask a director before you record a dramatic scene - and we discover the knack of delivering the problem and the solution at a different pace!

There's a technical little script, we're left wondering if some corporate clients "polish" their scripts through AI, and writers take note! We discuss how to change a formal sounding script to a chatty sounding script just by adding a single word!

Our VO question this week is all about how the industry can work with disabled performers to understand their needs better.

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

Their existing single-camera-to-single-PC setup meant that whilst participants seated at the far end of the table could be seen by remote users, the faces of those to the left and right were obscured when engaging with others in the room.

So how did we solve this?

By introducing a separate PC for each of the three cameras, each group within the meeting room are presented in their own window. This allows remote users to clearly see all participants and their reactions.

A piece of creative thinking that has delivered real visual meeting equity.

Script 2

Reflex: What is it, Jo-C?

It says 'Rez High’ (whatever that is) and then 'Welcome Back to the Best Days'. And then something else has worn off. I'll have to open it to find out. I’m not doing that until I dry it off properly.

I do want a good look. The real problem will be getting it past my mum.

Dogwood: If it's so 'very heavy’ then I vote Jo-C carries it.

Reflex: She’s got the muscles. She's absolutely the right woman for

the job. Two out of three votes carry it. And I'll deal with my mum.

We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

Lozza Gilbert is a northern & non-binary actor, voice actor and award-winning disability advocate. They started voiceover in 2024 after graduating with a degree in Astrophysics from Newcastle University in 2023, and are now a member of the National Youth Theatre with experience across video games, audio drama and theatre. They were nominated for Best Non-Binary Voiceover Performance at this years One Voice Awards.

Lozza's background is in disability advocacy - including delivering talks and panels, hosting events, working with charities and volunteering. They carry this through into their work as an actor advocating for a more accessible and inclusive industry, wanting to train in performance capture as someone who uses mobility aids, and working as a consultant to advise game developers on the movement, story and design of disabled characters. Outside of VO and acting, you can probably find them playing video games with their dog Barney!

Lozza's Website

@LozzaGilbert on Instagram

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

Listen to all the Rez High episodes here: https://rustyquill.com/show/rez-high/

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

Short trailer for Episode 190 of "How Do You Say That" sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk featuring Mark Ryes, Samantha Boffin and Lozza Gilbert.

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

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