Shakermaker's Blog supplementary question

[Excalibur]

Your starter for ten. Something Gary posted in his splendid Magnum Opus prompted me to ask this, as it's been in my head for ages since someone else planted the seed for this.


I don’t like the word Mobile Disco anyway because it conjures up the image of cheesiness. Peter Kay, Smashy and Nicie etc etc.
Well that's just tough Mate, cos that's what it says on my tin, and I do just what it says on the tin! :p :D :D




When people go to a wedding or party etc I think that have the thought in their head straight away without even seeing the Disco that it is going to be cheesy with traffic lights, rope lights, dodgy sound and a DJ that is stuck in the 70s that puts on a mic voice as soon as it is switched on. I hate that image and it’s one that I try my hardest to get away from.

The serious point of this thread. While Gary referred to the 70's DJ with disdain, it's my formative era, so obviously it influenced me heavily, and it probably shows. I'm not stuckj in the 70's ( Shame! :( :( It's when all the best music was out. :D :D ) BUT re the voice, not only do I have a "Mic Voice" I'm virtually a different person. Customers have commented on this , so I know it's true. I hope I don't fall into the Cheese trap in terms of my performance, but I do have certain "Pavlov's Dogs" responses. :D :D
So eventually the question:- How many of you are the same person when you DJ as when you are Joe public? I'm a lot like Clark Kent and that other fella, but are you unchanged? I know someone on here ( who set me thinking this) who said that he was exactly the same as a DJ and in real life. Having met him, I now suspect this to be true, but I reckon he must have a Business alter ego, cos he certainly needs one! ( Can you tell who it is yet? :confused: :D :D )
So come on folks, tell us whether you need a phonebox to do a gig, or are you a WYSIWYG? :confused:

[Kernow]

Oh Peter, you really are stuck in the past !!.

Nowadays one just clutches the mobile and any convenient closet or cubicle will suffice to put on the cloak & tights. ;)

".....And that ,Your Honour. concludes the case for the Defence !!..... " :eek: :eek:


:D :D :D

[rob1963]

not only do I have a "Mic Voice" I'm virtually a different person.

Absolutely.

I think we ALL have a "mic voice" just like everyone has a "phone voice"

I certainly do.

How many of us can say we talk on the mic the same as we'd talk to someone who was sitting next to us if we were NOT using the mic?

In my humble opinion, anyone who does not have a "mic voice" is not very professional.

[Corabar Steve]

You have to have a mic voice UNLESS you naturally talk loud & clearly all the time.

[rob1963]

You have to have a mic voice UNLESS you naturally talk loud & clearly all the time.

Which I don't think anyone does.

[Excalibur]

You have to have a mic voice UNLESS you naturally talk loud & clearly all the time.

I'm not on about enunciation, I mean your whole persona. Do you change your manner, or are you still just the same person? It goes without saying that we all try to speak clearly and be easily understood. When you speak into that mic, are you suddenly a completely different person? Do certain phrases come out of their own volition? And I've just thought of a linked question which is definitely members only. ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Can I just make a point or two regarding this. When I was writing the blog thing I just went all in. I could have said things better and explained myself more clearly but it would have been even longer and I didn't want that, neither I guess did you lot.

When I mentioned the whole '70's DJ' and 'Mic Voice' things I meant them in the extreme. Chris Moyles did the exact thing I am talking about on his radio show the other morning and put on a silly voice and that's kind of what I was talking about. We ALL have a mic voice and it changes to different degrees when you are using the mic. I do too but I think my voice just projects a bit stronger than it normally does. You know what I mean. When you hand someone the mic for speeches etc you generally have to turn up the volume so that they can be heard as they hold it miles away from their mouths and even when it is just under their chin (as I suggest they position it), they still sound weak. I think it is a natural thing that we, as DJ's....when we get a mic in front of our mouths, we go up a level or two. My tone of voice definitely does NOT change, just the volume I think.

If I offended anyone with those comments then I apologise but I think you all know what I meant anyway. It's simply because of Smashy and Nicie etc that the image is there I think and at the end of the day, I think they modelled themselves on Alan Freeman and Tony Blackburn, both of those people actually sound the same talking as they do when they are on the mic aswell if you have'nt noticed.

[Excalibur]

Can I just make a point or two regarding this. When I was writing the blog thing I just went all in. I could have said things better and explained myself more clearly but it would have been even longer and I didn't want that, neither I guess did you lot.

When I mentioned the whole '70's DJ' and 'Mic Voice' things I meant them in the extreme. Chris Moyles did the exact thing I am talking about on his radio show the other morning and put on a silly voice and that's kind of what I was talking about. We ALL have a mic voice and it changes to different degrees when you are using the mic. I do too but I think my voice just projects a bit stronger than it normally does. You know what I mean. When you hand someone the mic for speeches etc you generally have to turn up the volume so that they can be heard as they hold it miles away from their mouths and even when it is just under their chin (as I suggest they position it), they still sound weak. I think it is a natural thing that we, as DJ's....when we get a mic in front of our mouths, we go up a level or two. My tone of voice definitely does NOT change, just the volume I think.
If I offended anyone with those comments then I apologise but I think you all know what I meant anyway. It's simply because of Smashy and Nicie etc that the image is there I think and at the end of the day, I think they modelled themselves on Alan Freeman and Tony Blackburn, both of those people actually sound the same talking as they do when they are on the mic aswell if you have'nt noticed.

That's what I'm tryng to get at here. I don't mean Mic Voice=Louder and Clearer, I mean Mic Voice= DIFFERENT VOICE ALTOGETHER, with possibly even a different persona! Strewth it's hard on here sometimes! :bang: :D :D
Gary you certainly haven't offended me, Your comments are valid and held by many on here. What worries me most is that only our beloved Rob appears to have understood the whole point of the question! :eek: :eek:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm the same person and don't really have a 'mic' voice, though there might be occasions where I might exaggerate it a bit.

DJing in pubs week in, week out for about 6 years helped me get rid of my 'mic voice'

[CRAZY K]

Which I don't think anyone does.

:confused:

eh?

When I played Football I shouted at my team mates at around the the equivalent of a 100 watt PA ( I didnt use one actually as its not permitted under Football Association rules)

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

I'm the same person and don't really have a 'mic' voice, though there might be occasions where I might exaggerate it a bit.

DJing in pubs week in, week out for about 6 years helped me get rid of my 'mic voice'

Ah! So thus far only Rob and myself admit to putting on the style for the punters, while everybody else is a WISYWYG! Now I'm either starting to get
A: Worried, or B: Sceptical. :D

[CRAZY K]

I'm the same person and don't really have a 'mic' voice, though there might be occasions where I might exaggerate it a bit.

DJing in pubs week in, week out for about 6 years helped me get rid of my 'mic voice'

Err so what did it become?

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

:confused:

eh?

When I played Football I shouted at my team mates at around the the equivalent of a 100 watt PA ( I didnt use one actually as its not permitted under Football Association rules)

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

Crazy,

What I was saying was that nobody speaks as clearly or loudly when they are talking to somebody who is next to them as when they are talking to the audience on the mic.

[Excalibur]

Crazy,

What I was saying was that nobody speaks as clearly or loudly when they are talking to somebody who is next to them as when they are talking to the audience on the mic.

Oh fantastic! Even my mate Rob's deserting me now!:(

[rob1963]

Oh fantastic! Even my mate Rob's deserting me now!:(

Never!

[theoloyla]

Rule 1 of advice to aspiring dj's has always been "Be yourself"... Those who suddenly become Emporer Rosko or Ali G or adopt a different accent are wrong in my view. I think I am pretty much the same on or off mike.

[rob1963]

Rule 1 of advice to aspiring dj's has always been "Be yourself"... Those who suddenly become Emporer Rosko or Ali G or adopt a different accent are wrong in my view. I think I am pretty much the same on or off mike.

I don't think people should become Emperor Rosko or Ali G or adopt a different accent whan talking on the mic.

I just think that everyone has a "mic voice" which they use at the appropriate time just like they have a "phone voice"

It's all about speaking more professionally, clearly & projecting more when addressing the audience at a gig over the mic than you would if talking to your friend who was standing next to you.

I haven't yet met a DJ who sounds the same when talking to me off-mic as when talking to their audience ON the mic.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I am exactly the same Rob, just a little bit louder.

[rob1963]

I am exactly the same Rob, just a little bit louder.

Gary...I COULDN'T be louder!!!

:D

[theoloyla]

I don't think people should become Emperor Rosko or Ali G or adopt a different accent whan talking on the mic.

I just think that everyone has a "mic voice" which they use at the appropriate time just like they have a "phone voice"

It's all about speaking more professionally, clearly & projecting more when addressing the audience at a gig over the mic than you would if talking to your friend who was standing next to you.

I haven't yet met a DJ who sounds the same when talking to me off-mic as when talking to their audience ON the mic.
But that isnt what Pete is asking about. He is talking about the shy retiring person who suddenly becomes someone else when they get dehind the mike. Strangely I have known several dj's who stutter off mike but are fluent on it.

[rob1963]

But that isnt what Pete is asking about. He is talking about the shy retiring person who suddenly becomes someone else when they get behind the mike.

Yes, I think that's right.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I haven't yet met a DJ who sounds the same when talking to me off-mic as when talking to their audience ON the mic.

You can't have met many DJs then!

[rob1963]

You can't have met many DJs then!

I have no idea of the numbers, but it's been a fair few over the years!

[robbiedj]

I haven't yet met a DJ who sounds the same when talking to me off-mic as when talking to their audience ON the mic.



I thought you had met me! I don't have a mic voice, just my own. The only difference is caused by the electronics of the system.

But, as others have said at meetings, I don't need a mic to be heard anyway. :D

[Excalibur]

But that isnt what Pete is asking about. He is talking about the shy retiring person who suddenly becomes someone else when they get dehind the mike. Strangely I have known several dj's who stutter off mike but are fluent on it.

At last! Somebody understands! Thank you Theo. :youdaman:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I thought you had met me! I don't have a mic voice, just my own. The only difference is caused by the electronics of the system.

But, as others have said at meetings, I don't need a mic to be heard anyway. :D

Ain't that the truth brother....:D

[BeerFunk]

Depending on the clarity of your sound system, the acoustics of the room, and your accent - if you talk normally into the mic, the chances are not everyone will understand or hear you clearly.

Thus I tend to speak a bit slower, and with less of an accent.

[Excalibur]

I thought you had met me! I don't have a mic voice, just my own. The only difference is caused by the electronics of the system.

But, as others have said at meetings, I don't need a mic to be heard anyway. :D


Ain't that the truth brother....:D

Ahem! I've not had the undoubted pleasure of being introduced to Robbie, but you're not exactly a diffident and understated shrinking violet. ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ahem! I've not had the undoubted pleasure of being introduced to Robbie, but you're not exactly a diffident and understated shrinking violet. ;)

You noticed that, did you? :p

[Excalibur]

You noticed that, did you? :p

I may be be bald, deaf and blind, but yes!:D :D :D

[DazzyD]

But that isnt what Pete is asking about. He is talking about the shy retiring person who suddenly becomes someone else when they get dehind the mike. Strangely I have known several dj's who stutter off mike but are fluent on it.

I was terribly shy before I started doing the karaoke shows. I'd go bright red and sweat buckets if someone just looked at me. :Embarassed: This smiley really was me!

But, behind the mic, I found a new confidence. I could play up to the crowd and be an entertainer. I used to do impressions of Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Elvis, The Bangles (yes, really!). I used to put on sunglasses, hats, and other various props. And I did become someone else.

So yes, I can not only see where Pete is coming from but I do agree with his comments. Not that I put on a "mic-voice" but that I take on a different persona.

As for people having the same personality, I don't feel that's true. I believe that we take on different personalities to handle the different roles in our lives. For example, when I'm at work (day job) I'm a very different person to when I'm at home with my family. And I'm a different person again in the pub with my mates. And a different person again when I'm performing. If I had the had the same personality for everything then I wouldn't be able to perform all these roles. It just wouldn't be possible.

[Excalibur]

Dazzy, at last someone who has totally understood. I'm honestly surprised there aren't more. :confused: :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Dazzy, at last someone who has totally understood. I'm honestly surprised there aren't more. :confused: :confused:

I understand the concept of what you are saying Peter, but I am generally the same person with work, family and friends. Perhaps I am different from most?

[DazzyD]

I understand the concept of what you are saying Peter, but I am generally the same person with work, family and friends. Perhaps I am different from most?

Daz, do you really use the same language and mannerisms with your family as you do with your mates down the pub?

At work (day job) things are quite technical so I use technical language. At home, my kids are toddlers so use toddler-talk and act more like a clown. That's just one example of how I have and use two separate personalities. And if I ever used either of these down the pub on a Monday night, I'm sure I'd get some weird looks!

[Excalibur]

I understand the concept of what you are saying Peter, but I am generally the same person with work, family and friends. Perhaps I am different from most?

Sadly you appear to be situation normal. I however, not surprisingly, am swimming against the tide! :eek: :( :( Be honest though, the loon we met in Leeds surely never meets prospective corporate clkients? :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Daz, do you really use the same language and mannerisms with your family as you do with your mates down the pub?

At work (day job) things are quite technical so I use technical language. At home, my kids are toddlers so use toddler-talk and act more like a clown. That's just one example of how I have and use two separate personalities. And if I ever used either of these down the pub on a Monday night, I'm sure I'd get some weird looks!

I have never spoken to my kids as if they dribbling idiots and it now shows in their language skills and SATS etc.

Yes, my language is moderated compared to the pub, but then I rarely go to the pub, so that doesn't really matter.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sadly you appear to be situation normal. I however, not surprisingly, am swimming against the tide! :eek: :( :( Be honest though, the loon we met in Leeds surely never meets prospective corporate clkients? :confused:

No, but I still use my personality to engage clients, corporate or not.

[Excalibur]

I have never spoken to my kids as if they dribbling idiots and it now shows in their language skills and SATS etc.

Yes, my language is moderated compared to the pub, but then I rarely go to the pub, so that doesn't really matter.

Carryouts are so much better value, aren't they? ;) :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Carryouts are so much better value, aren't they? ;) :D :D

Indeed. Much. :D

[DazzyD]

I have never spoken to my kids as if they dribbling idiots and it now shows in their language skills and SATS etc.

Yes, my language is moderated compared to the pub, but then I rarely go to the pub, so that doesn't really matter.

Glad to hear your kids are doing well. Mine are only aged 2 and 1 so I like to see them play and make them laugh to engage them and get them joining in fun and games. I think they need to learn social skills through play before I start bringing out the encyclopedias and history books! ;)


Carryouts are so much better value, aren't they? ;) :D :D

Ain't that the truth! It cost me 60p for a pint of blackcurrant and water the other night! Daylight robbery! :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Glad to hear your kids are doing well. Mine are only aged 2 and 1 so I like to see them play and make them laugh to engage them and get them joining in fun and games. I think they need to learn social skills through play before I start bringing out the encyclopedias and history books! ;)


I didn't say that...

I said I have always spoken to them with a normal voice and it helped their language skills a lot. Of course I acted like an idiot when they were younger and still do now, but then that's me as I was saying.

[Excalibur]

No, but I still use my personality to engage clients, corporate or not.

And yet you still get work? :confused: :sofa:

Indeed. Much. :D
Sadly the craic is rarely as good. ;) :D

Edit: To both Darrens: I reckon you'll both do a grand job of raising your offspring, but nowadays my kids treat me as a dribbling idiot! ;) :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And yet you still get work? :confused: :sofa:

Sadly the craic is rarely as good. ;) :D

It is when you are me. :thumbsup: :bag:

[DazzyD]

I wasn't suggesting that you never acted the fool with your kids. I was merely pointing out that our kids are obviously at different stages in their lives and education therefore we communicate differently with them. I also have a (soon-to-be) stepdaughter and she's 9 going on 14 and acts more like a stroppy teenager than a 9yr old. She insists on being spoken to like an adult (or she takes the huff!). It has to said that kids are growing up quicker than we did.

Mind you, I'm not sure I ever properly grew up! I'm sure I was Peter Pan in a previous life. Wor lass often says that I'm her fourth kid! :D :D

[rob1963]

I would like to admit here & now that I DO have a DJ & quiz voice which I put on when talking on the mic, as I think that's part of my job.

It involves using a different voice to the one I use when talking to someone next to me, and is all about projecting more & talking louder & slower than I would normally.

This is because I feel it's important for people to be able to clearly hear & understand me...unlike many DJs I've heard who you can't understand when they talk, as it's just a muffled sound...and I've come across quite a few of those over the years, although I really don't see the point.

As I've already said, I think all DJs put on a DJ voice (to varying degrees) when talking to their audience on the mic compared to when talking to a friend next to them, just like most people seem to have a phone voice.

I also doubt whether railway announcers, airport terminal announcers, the woman who does the speaking clock or voiceover artists sound the same when they're talking to their family at home as they do when they're working.

[Corabar Steve]

I'm not on about enunciation, I mean your whole persona. Do you change your manner, or are you still just the same person? It goes without saying that we all try to speak clearly and be easily understood. When you speak into that mic, are you suddenly a completely different person?
So now you're saying persona as opposed to just voice?

Definitely no then. To quote Twisted Sister "I am, I'm me!"

I feel it's important for people to be able to clearly hear & understand me.The rest of the forum disagrees :sj:

The only difference with me is I become clearer & enunciate more deliberately. If I spoke down a mic the way I do face to face no body would have a hope in Hell of understanding me

[rob1963]

The rest of the forum disagrees :sj:

:Laugh:


I become clearer & enunciate more deliberately.

That's the exact point I was making...everyone does (to varying degrees).

:)

[Corabar Steve]

That's the exact point I was making...everyone does (to varying degrees).

:)

Indeed, but there's no alternate persona / alter ego involved.

[Excalibur]

The serious point of this thread.
BUT re the voice, not only do I have a "Mic Voice" I'm virtually a different person. Customers have commented on this , so I know it's true.

How many of you are the same person when you DJ as when you are Joe public? I'm a lot like Clark Kent and that other fella, but are you unchanged? :




I'm not on about enunciation, I mean your whole persona. Do you change your manner, or are you still just the same person? It goes without saying that we all try to speak clearly and be easily understood. When you speak into that mic, are you suddenly a completely different person? Do certain phrases come out of their own volition? And I've just thought of a linked question which is definitely members only. ;)


That's what I'm tryng to get at here. I don't mean Mic Voice=Louder and Clearer, I mean Mic Voice= DIFFERENT VOICE ALTOGETHER, with possibly even a different persona! Strewth it's hard on here sometimes! :bang: :D :D
Gary you certainly haven't offended me, Your comments are valid and held by many on here. What worries me most is that only our beloved Rob appears to have understood the whole point of the question! :eek: :eek:


But that isnt what Pete is asking about. He is talking about the shy retiring person who suddenly becomes someone else when they get dehind the mike. Strangely I have known several dj's who stutter off mike but are fluent on it.


Yes, I think that's right.


So now you're saying persona as opposed to just voice?

Definitely no then.

With the greatest of respect Steve I have to ask myself if you actually read any of the previous posts? :confused: :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

I did, however my last 2 posts were refering to me / how I am.

You're so cute when you're angry http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/ed/shy.gif

[Excalibur]

I did, however my last 2 posts were refering to me / how I am.

You're so cute when you're angry http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/ed/shy.gif

I find that at the moment I appear to be waging a vendetta on you Steve, which is absolutely not the case.:D HOWEVER:

I must draw your attention to the phrase-
"So now you're saying persona as opposed to just voice?" the inference being that I had somehow moved the goalposts. As you can see that is blatantly not the case, and thus I shall expect a full and unreserved apology from you on this matter. :D :D :D

[Corabar Steve]

:moon:

[Excalibur]

:moon:

Thank you Steve for that full and frank apology. I shall now consider my reply.

[theoloyla]

At last! Somebody understands! Thank you Theo. :youdaman:
Why thankyou!:)