Michael Ashtiany: The one with the Cat Called Dave!

In ep 139 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Michael Ashtiany joins Sam and Mark to talk about judging a read properly depending the demographic of the audience... Making a story so a script is easy to follow... How to nail a "being bored" read and how having a connection to the subject matter can make all the difference to your delivery. We also meet a demonic cat, a psychotic PE teacher and there's a script about sleep that'll make you sit up wide awake!Our VO question this week is all about keeping positive when perhaps the industry can feel a little negative at times!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] 1I would like to point out I am not illiterate.Diagnosing the actual problem is pretty much the v - e - t's sole function in society but alas on this occasion I doubt she's going to be of very much assistance.[a demonic cat miaow/hiss]I feel the need to point out that I am not in the least bit psychotic, I am in fact demonically possessed. There is a big difference.Script 2About an hour and a half before bed, it helps to start winding down.Falling asleep isn’t like flicking a switch, it’s more like slowly turning down a dimmer. A little routine before bed tells your body, okay, time to switch off.And in the morning? Here’s the tough bit…when the alarm goes, get up right away. I know, it feels brutal. That groggy, heavy-eyed feeling has a name…sleep inertia. But snoozing only makes it worse. The best fix? Get up, get moving, and shake it off.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: Michael Ashtiany is a multi-award nominated voice actor from Manchester, but now lives in France! He's been in the industry for 8 years and has voiced for brands including Amnesty International, Netflix, Paypal, and Amex. He's a passionate sports fan, particularly football, and has loved voicing his team Manchester United, as well F1 and Rugby League. He's also big on the voiceover podcast scene too... co-hosting the Off Air Voiceover Podcast. Michael's Website @manchester_vo on Instagram @manchester__vo on X 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/britishvoiceovermarkElegantly 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