How can I improve my performance?

[heddesheimer]

Hi,

I'd like to get some serious feedback on my demos and would like to hear some tips on how I could improve my performance.

 

I already know that my German accent is still very present so I would appreciate any hints and tips on how I could work on that.

 

I have also heard that I have to work on my "w" sound. I tried to focus on that in my sample "the invisible man" but I'm not sure if it's good enough yet.

 

Any feedback appreciated.

 

Marian

[NickolasM.]

First off, don't take my comments personally, I am not a proffessional.

 

Anyways, focusing on Invisible man, SLOW DOWN! It's hard to keep up with what your saying.

 

 

Hi,

I already know that my German accent is still very present so I would appreciate any hints and tips on how I could work on that.

Marian

 

The accent is not all that bad, we (or I) can understand everything, just some words sound funny but we (I) know what you mean. I googled this quick maybe it will help you:

 

- the classic pronunciation problems german to english are "w" "th" and "r".

 

the soft "w" sound DOES exist in german, like at the end of Güstrow. Practice pronunciation in front of a mirror. Speak it slowly and look at what your lips do at the end of Güstrow. Try, then, combining Güstrow with "w" words like welcome: Güstrowelcome. Seems strange at first, I know, but practice it, then leave away the Güstro- part and you'll have "w" in the bag.

 

the germans don't like "th" because it feels like their tongue is falling out of their mouth. that's why it often sounds like "z" or "d". Bite the very end of your tongue, like you're going to bite off the tip. Leave your tongue against the top "schneidezähnen" and lower your jaw a little. Then softly blow air out, and you have the "soft th" like in "thing". The same tongue form will bring you the "hard th" ("that") when you vibrate with your vocal cords a little. Again, practice in front of a mirror. It really doesn't look as silly as it feels. For english speakers, for example, the german "r" feels silly, too. Personally, I HATED "ür" an "rö"! but i got used to it.

 

now, "r" in english is hard to describe, but is really the smallest problem as far as understanding is concerned. i wouldn't worry too much about that in your situation. an accent can be cute, too, but should be understandable

(http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091017035253AAPzutG)

 

 

Hi,

I have also heard that I have to work on my "w" sound. I tried to focus on that in my sample "the invisible man" but I'm not sure if it's good enough yet.

Your "w" is not all that bad, I've heard it about 50 times now (WMP is on a loop) just slow down and focus on pronouncing the words fully and clearly in time it will sound 'clearer'.

 

I know I can pick up a accent when I hang out with my family from Long Island for a few hours. Try speaking with people with a accent you like for a long time. There is a free game called Second Life (http://www.secondlife.com) that you can use a microphone and speak with people, hopefully you will pick up their accent(s). Also try listening to someone elses' voice overs and try to make your self sound like them.

 

Any feedback appreciated.

 

Hopefully I helped somehow.

[heddesheimer]

Thanks Nickolas, that was very helpful, much appreciated.

 

Marian

[NickolasM.]

No problem, if you could when you get a chance post a updated version of The Invisible Man, I'd like to see how you have improved!

[heddesheimer]

thanks, here is a version that I did a bit slower.

[NickolasM.]

Listening to that, you have in-fact improved alot! The first thing that caught my eye (well ear) was when you tried to say February, It sounded more like: feburr-ry. Like I said in my earlier post, work on pronouncing your words. I noticed that your accent has changed alot, I am impressed with the amount of improvement. Keep up the good work!

[heddesheimer]

Thanks a lot for your second review. I'm glad to hear that I could improve

 

You are right with the February. I picked up the wrong pronunciation from a recording that I used to learn the correct pronunciation here:

 

Librivox Recording

 

I try to use native speaker's recordings from Librivox as a role model, but even they sometimes pronounce things not perfectly

 

I guess I'd get better results in using professional actor's recordings like from commercial audio books.