Carolynn Van Namen

A longtime student of language, I can read and speak French, Spanish and Dutch and can also provide accents that reflect those nationalities. As a native of Washington D.C. and a resident of Chicago, I have a cosmopolitan voice that lends itself to a variety of situations, services and occasions. I am able to mimic characters ranging from humorous, comic impersonations to viable and credible renditions of assorted ethnicities. So you want a domineering Jewish mother? Or you want a clueless teenager? Perhaps a sophisticated city voice is more your style. Maybe you're looking for that smoky, breathy, sexy voice to entice your listeners. Or you prefer crisp, clean and professional to instruct and train your employees or clients. My voice expands and contracts to suit client needs and wants, offering a range of repertoire that lends itself to nearly any product or service. A quick study, I can identify client needs with minimal direction and deliver promptly with an insightful understanding of the need.

Remember how Charlton Heston as Moses was able to command the Red Sea to part with nothing more than his voice? People have told me that my voice cuts through ambient clutter and commands attention, even in the midst of a buzzing auditorium or crowded exhibit hall. Most of my experience is derived from live presentations and commentating under less-than-ideal conditions, such as a warehouse filled with customers and mediocre broadcast equipment. I have proven that I can capture an audience's attention easily, using my voice's flexibility to engage them with lively humor, assertive professionalism or inviting warmth. I can deliver the right tone, inflection and vocal variety to attract and retain listeners even in a challenging environment. Ok, maybe you never saw "The Ten Commandments," but you know that a voice can cajole, direct, instruct and amuse an audience. It takes a unique talent to run the gamut of emotions within a wide range of applications. Let me introduce you to my various personae and help you reach your specific audience with professionalism, accuracy and verve. Education: BA in English, MBA in marketing. Past Toastmaster; Completed classes to become a certified life/purpose and career coach (Life Purpose Institute, San Diego, CA); Graduate of floral industry commentating classes (American Floral Services, Oklahoma City, OK); Performance background: *provided commentary for wholesale distributor's onsite trade shows; *worked for private college in Chicago area as marketing director and spokesperson; *wrote scripts and performed radio spots promoting concert series for educational institution; *created and delivered marketing presentations for faculty and staff; *recorded telephone messaging for private college; *performed Scripture readings in church setting; *performed in community theater group in Chicago area. My extensive marketing experience and education give me a unique advantage and insight into understanding client needs in the areas of promotion, advertising, training and communication. I have been involved in branding projects for corporate and non-profit organizations, including research and marketing plans. In addition to being a voice artist, I also provide script development and writing, and can assist with determining appropriate types of promotional vehicles needed for various marketing projects.