The Google search box begs me to type in a question whenever I pop open a browser. The code-smiths of Google have spent years creating and refining their cornerstone service. Of the search engines available, Google is by far the most robust and powerful answer retriever available.
Google made search non-geeky by allowing the use of simple phrases. That’s helpful to me when I’m working in my studio; I’d rather reserve my brain power for creativeness behind the mic. Here are a few tools I use regularly that you should try.
Say WHAT?!
Whenever I get a script that has a word I don’t know how to pronounce, my go to helper is Google. The results include entries from several sources including Forvo.com, howjsay.com and others. This comes in handy for audition scripts when the client isn’t available. And, it’s particularly helpful for audiobook production. In the search bar type in…
How do you pronounce [word I’d like pronounced]
(How do you pronounce discombobulated)
At the Tone, the Time is…
I’ve got clients all over the planet and the multiple time zones are difficult to keep straight. A quick way to check current time info is to ask Google. The current time, date, and time zone displays taking the guess work out of calling a client at an appropriate time. Type in…
What time is it in [City] [State] or [Zip Code]
(What time is it in Pie Town NM)
City and State, Please.
When I’m crafting one-off marketing e-mail to clients, I like to check out what’s going on in their town so I can personalize my message. Google makes getting quick details a snap! I get the basics, including time and current weather, plus points of interest, upcoming events and more. Type in…
[City] [State]
(Poughkeepsie NY)
It’s How Far?
Got a gig at a studio in another town? When your travel expenses include mileage and you need a quick way to calculate the distance, Google is the undisputed source for speed. Type in…
[Starting point] to [Ending point]
(Left Hand WV to West Thumb WY)
Convert this!
With clients all over the globe, I occasionally have one that want’s to pay me in their local currency. Google has a mind for conversion and has no problem returning a value based on the current exchange rate. Type in…
[Amount] [Currency 1] to [Currency 2]
(1500 USD to GBP)
Let Me Google That for You
Could an answer be just a Google search away? You probably know somebody who asks questions that trigger you to think, “Why don’t you just Google it?” To help them see the laziness of their ways, use LMGTFY to create a search and send it for them to use.
This is my fav… http://lmgtfy.com/?q=How+do+I+become+a+voice+talent%3F
Those are the ones I use the most, and of course there are many more Google tips and tricks to discover. What is your favorite Google shortcut or tool—one you couldn’t get along without in your studio?
© 2014 J. Christopher Dunn
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Your Next Client Could be a Return Call Away
J. Christopher Dunn's Voiceover Blog 