Smoke and mirrors? Well, sort of. This is the rough prototype, and from the sound quality, rough sounds about right. But, still, a microphone without mechanical moving parts is quite a feat.

Lately, the work I've been doing for E-Learning projects has been character and dialogue based rather than taking on the role of the single voice of the course instructor (by the way, those college drama classes are really paying off). And what's interesting, and encouraging, is the quality of the scripts.

One of the top audiobook narrators, Scott Brick, recently sponsored a contest called Share the Experience. It offered aspiring audiobook narrators the opportunity to compete not only for prizes, but also the chance to be heard by some of the nations most influential audiobook producers and directors. The contest is over, ending on July 10. So now that it has finished up and the votes are being tallied, how did people fare? That's the burning question on the minds of many who participated. Details about when results will be announce are rather sketchy at this point.

Liz de Nesnera, an English and French speaking voice over artist, offers a review of a new piece of recording software.  If you record elearning or telephone prompt audio, it looks like a worthy program to check out.  Read Liz's review on her blog, 'A Frog in My Throat..or...Un Chat Dans La Gorge!.'

It is an enlightening experience to read what people have to say about e-Learning narrators . . . especially from people who are not narrators. Such is the case with Tom Kuhlmann's Rapid E-Learning Blog. Tom broached the subject in, 'When It Makes Sense to Pay for Professional Narration.' It prompted a lively exchange.

When I first saw (and heard) the new series of Mercedes Benz commercials, the voice sounded very familiar. My first guess was Richard Thomas of 'The Walton's' fame. Well, my friend and voice actor, Mary McKitrick, confirms that it is, indeed, the famous actor. She writes about the recording session in her blog. Thanks Mary!