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Finding My Voice, and Myself, at SOVAS
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By Hanne Rickert, Originally Published October 3, 2024
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Last year, I embarked on a journey to the SOVAS Career Expo, seeking inspiration and connection in the world of voice acting. Little did I know that this event would lead me to a profound rediscovery of my own voice and its power.
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During a heartwarming tribute to the legendary David Fennoy, I was transported back to my childhood. As he recounted his iconic role as the announcer for CBS’s “As the World Turns” and “Guiding Light,” my heart skipped a beat. That voice… his voice had been a guiding light in my own life.
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Growing up as a first generation American Lebanese in Peoria, Illinois, I felt like an outsider. My accented English set me apart from my friends, and I yearned to belong. But every afternoon, a sense of familiarity washed over me as David Fennoy’s voice graced our living room. I mimicked his every word, his intonation, his warmth, hoping to bridge the gap between my world and theirs.
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And it worked. With newfound confidence, I embraced my accent-free American English voice. I still spoke Arabic fluently but now I sounded just like the community I was growing up in. I found my place, not just in school plays and family gatherings, but within myself – being genuinely me regardless of what language I was communicating in at the moment.
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From Society of Voice Arts and Sciences:
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Sitting at SOVAS, tears welled up as I realized the profound impact David Fennoy had on my life, simply by using his voice. It was a beautiful reminder that our voices possess a unique magic, capable of shaping lives and forging connections.
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The path to a voice acting career isn’t always straightforward, but moments like these reaffirm our purpose. At SOVAS, I found my voice, my inspiration, and a renewed sense of belonging.
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To my fellow voice actors, remember that our voices hold incredible power. Embrace your journey, cherish your unique voice, and never underestimate the impact you can make on the world, one heartfelt word at a time.
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Hanne Rickert is a narrator, producer, as well as a linguist and a scholar with a degree in International Relations and French. She has studied Arabic, French, Spanish, and Russian, and has worked in audiobook narration, commercials, and political advertising. A proud Lebanese American and a former restaurateur, Hanne looks forward to whatever new adventure every new day brings.
To learn more, visit hannerickertvoiceover(dot)com.
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