McDonald’s Chicken McGrill
Voice Direction:
This is a simulated audition for a McDonalds TV Spot: We are looking for a straight-forward, no-nonsense read. This is the best chicken sandwich. Period. We want a clear, authoritative delivery. One take only, slate first initial and last name OR username at the end. Submission deadline: Wednesday, October 20th, 11:59pm ET.
Script:
When I open my sandwich I like knowing what's inside is for real. Nothing but 100% marinated chicken breast in every Chicken McGrill. Want to know more? Visit www.mcdonalds.com. McDonalds. I'm lovin' it.
Congratulations to our winners, ChrisB, ljmaza, and William Carmichael. They came across with reads that were authoritative and no-nonsense, yet authentic and friendly. How hard can that be? After all, who isn’t an “authority” on the McDonald’s menu, even if they haven’t visited a McDonald’s restaurant recently? Well, as is often the case in voice acting, knowing it in your head and getting it into your recording are two different things. Here are some tips to convey authority more authoritatively … without artificiality or nonsense.
Edge Studio VO Tip #1:
Edge Studio VO Tip #2:
- Be precise. Speak naturally, but don’t slur words. Don’t mumble. Say “real” not “rill.” This advice applies to most voice-over work. It’s especially the case in this commercial. Don’t overdo it. Just sound as if you always speak with precision. Many people do.
- Pronounce correctly. Say “nothing,” not “nothin’.” Say “want to” rather than “wanna.” And say “double-you” not “dubya.” Just because the McDonald’s slogan is “Lovin’ it,” not “Loving it,” that doesn’t mean you have to drop sounds in your pitch. Authoritative people tend to respect details.
(Oh, and practice saying “www” quickly and smoothly, without pausing before or after. It’s not even needed with most websites these days, but you’ll still encounter it in many scripts.) - Be proud. Exude confidence. We don’t mean you should sound like an announcer or be bombastic. It’s simply that this little speech is what you believe. So believe it! If you’re not a fan of fast food yourself, get past that for now. Remember, this is acting.
Edge Studio VO Tip #3:
We’re pretty sure they paused there because it seems to be “dramatic.” But what is “dramatic” about opening a sandwich? In fact, if you think about it (or if you let the listener think about it), does it mean “unwrap” or “lift the bread” or what? And what image should they have in mind? A Chicken McSandwich is actually on a burger bun, not slices of bread. This is TV, so maybe there’s a visual to clear all that up. Regardless, that’s yet another reason to keep moving, rather than pause on “sandwich.” Let the visual do that work.
Don’t rush, but do get to the really interesting part, the point of this commercial — what’s inside, and that it’s real. Our Second Place winner did this nicely.
