John Marshall Media

Because of comfort and convenience, recording in a sitting position allows you to create a more intimate atmosphere and record with a soft, gentle voice. Plus, sitting helps you stay comfortable when recording for multiple hours. However, it is not without its disadvantages. If you are recording for long periods of time, you’ll probably slouch after an hour or two. Slouching not only changes your position, but also diminishes your energy, affecting the overall quality of your voice. Your position when you record voice-over is critical as it also plays part in keeping you in character. If recording in the sitting position, make sure you sit up straight and keep your chin out. The narration will flow much better! #voiceover #recordingstudio #goodposture #posturecorrection #energytips #officework #wfh

Don’t let your ringing phone ruin your audio! Be sure to turn your phone on silent or turn it completely off while recording. Make sure "Do Not Disturb" or Airplane Mode is enabled on your tablet as well to prevent interruptions. #donotdisturb #tuesdaytip #narrator #recordingtime

For the past week, JMM has had the pleasure to host high school student Mark Marcelle for a Spring Break Internship Program. While working from the New York office, Marcelle got to learn about the differences between one of his passions: stage acting and voice acting. Marcelle wrote about his findings (and created this graphic) for our latest blog post. Link in bio. #internappreciation #researchproject

Great recognition can be done in a matter of momentsand it doesn't take budget-busting amounts of money. When Chester Elton visited JMM to record his latest book, Anxiety at Work, he made sure to follow what he calls The Carrot Principle by handing out adorable stuffed carrots to everyone who assisted him. As he explains in his previous title, The Carrot Principle, research shows definitively that the central characteristic of the most successful managers is that they provide their employees with frequent and effective recognition. Thanks @chester.elton for this kind gesture! #thecarrotprinciple

People justifiably feel comfortable using WiFi for everything, such as work, gaming, and streaming. Still, the fact of the matter is that a wired connection is still objectively better for just about anything that requires an internet connection. This is because all sorts of devices in a home use WiFi. This can lead to interference and cause connections to be unstable. Likewise, thick walls and metal objects can throw off the signal emanating from a router and turn what should be a perfectly connected household into a dead zone. Wireless connections are also more prone to signal drops and high latency. If you're just browsing the web, you might not notice this, but people who are home-recording definitely will. An Ethernet cable can help ensure an easier and quicker recording process! #ethernet #narrator #tuesdaytip

Congratulations to all of the #audies2021 winners, including these John Marshall Media-produced titles! Thank you to our incredible team members that helped ensure these titles were award-winning quality!

A pop filter is a noise protection device used for microphones to reduce popping sounds caused by fast-moving air hitting the microphone. Make sure your mic has a pop filter/windscreen/etc. to help block the air from the plosive sounds (even a not-too-thick sock will do in a pinch!). This helps ensure a clean recording. #soundrecording #soundbooth #popfilter #tuesdaytip #narrator #workfromhome

Voice-over work is a profession where people without much money or access to a large space can still record. Generally, narrators are advised to set up their home studios in a closet full of clothes or in a secluded corner that can be reinforced with sound absorbers, such as blankets or couch cushions. This way, you can have a quality sound even when recording at home. However, the one thing that can stop a homerecord is the noise level of the recording environment. If your home is in a space near a busy street, construction, or even a subway line, it can be too noisy to record. #sound #voiceover #tuesdaytip

Using scripts on paper is now a thing of the past. Turning the pages during a recording can result in loud rustling noises that hurt the recording. Try to use an iPad or a similar device. Better yet, if you have your own device, bring it along to the studio to help prevent the spread of germs. #tuesdayvibes #tuesdaytip #audiobooks #voiceover

Happy International Women's Day to our female staff and clientele! The Audiobook industry would be nothing without the hard work, passion, and drive of strong women. What feminist audiobook are you listening to today? #audio #femalenarrator #thefutureisfemale #vo

It's important to keep yourself hydrated if you are going to make it through a recording session. A dry mouth is responsible for one of the most problematic issues that can arise when recording an audiobook: mouth noise. These noises are difficult to fix in post production and can possibly ruin a recording. Also staying hydrated will help you stay alert through a long session. So have water or herbal tea at the ready! #voiceover #firsttimenarrator #audiobooks

Described as "highly empathetic" and "truly inspiring" by Booklist, Taking Up Space promises to be a realistic and compelling story about struggling with body image and learning that true self-esteem comes from within. Author @alysongerber came by JMM to record this @scholasticinc title loosely based on her own experiences. In this basketball is the only thing that makes Sarah feel like she matters, even when her mother forgets to feed her. But struggles on the courtfrom being slow to missing shots she used to be able to makemake her feel like she’s losing control. Taking Up Space is about learning to trust that you’re worth believing in, even on days you don’t win or get picked, and about finding the courage to love yourself and to stand up for what you deserve. #ya #audiobooks