High Notes returns for its third season with Words at Work, a series about the role of voice in business.

BRAVA founder, Melissa Thom talks to leading figures across business, culture, and communication: Simon Lancaster, Margaret Heffernan, Dr. Rockford Sansom, Jane Duffus, Colin Burgess, Tricia Duffy, Lynne Franks, and Janey Lee Grace.

Together, they explore how voice shapes influence, leadership, and true connection at work: how to stay composed under pressure, engage an audience and speak with authority.

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Season 3 Guests

• Simon Lancaster: speechwriter to business and political leaders, on the Language of Leadership and the hidden patterns that make communication persuasive.
• Jane Duffus: writer and historian, on Women, Wit & the Power of Speech and how women’s voices have shaped, and continue to shape public life.
• Colin Burgess: BAFTA’s Executive Director of Operations, on the Resilient Voice, building legacy, and nurturing new creative voices in film, games and television.
• Tricia Duffy: leadership coach, on Creative Confidence and finding your voice in times of change and uncertainty.
• Dr. Rockford Sansom: voice coach to executives worldwide, on Influence & Impact, and how leaders can speak with presence in the boardroom.
• Janey Lee Grace: BBC broadcasting legend and coach, on Executive Presence, clarity, sobriety and having the courage to speak up.
• Lynne Franks: author, entrepreneur, communications strategist and fashion pioneer on Leading with Wisdom, and using voice as a force for visibility, purpose, and change.
• Margaret Heffernan: business thinker, writer and voted one of the "Top 100 Media Executives" by The Hollywood Reporter on Voice, Creativity and Embracing Uncertainty, and why leadership today demands adaptability.
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High Notes — where every performance is a conversation.

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In this episode of High Notes, we’re joined by iconic voice actor Bob Bergen, famous for voicing beloved characters like Porky Pig, Tweety, Marvin the Martian, and No Face from Spirited Away.

Bob discusses his journey from mimicking cartoons as a child to becoming a full-time voice actor. He offers invaluable advice for aspiring performers, emphasising the importance of craft and focus.

Bob also shares his thoughts on the rise of AI in voice acting and the significance of continuous learning and dedication to the craft.

The episode concludes with a surprise guest appearance from our characters' coach, Elaine Clark.

More about Bob:

https://www.bobbergen.com/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0074036/

Also featuring: https://elaineclarkvo.com/

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In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with Tom Keegan, an acclaimed performance director behind major AAA titles such as Jedi: Fallen Order, Wolfenstein, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and more.

Based in LA, Tom reflects on his creatively rich upbringing and his path to becoming a leading figure in video game performance direction. The conversation looks at the evolution of voice performance in games, the power of subtext, and what sets video game acting apart from other forms of voice work.

He also previews his upcoming book, The Complete Guide to Video Game Performance Directing: Place, Time, Action, offering practical insights into the craft, your own creativity, and other deeply human aspects of game development.

Whether you're an aspiring actor, director, or simply fascinated by the art behind your favourite games, this episode offers a compelling look into the world of interactive storytelling.

https://www.tomkeegan.net/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1146741/

https://www.instagram.com/tomkstudios/

https://www.routledge.com/The-Complete-Guide-to-Videogame-Performance-Directing-Place-Time-Action/Keegan/p/book/9781032914541?srsltid=AfmBOoroDSYuJU8bQauYeiIyWVq2CgLfuM35ClTVL7dvRCk4BhaG2Udi

Subscribe to the BRAVA newsletter for news updates, training opportunities, and more from the world of business, acting and voice: https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe

00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:52 Meet Tom Keegan: Journey to Video Game Performance Direction

02:58 The Art of Voice Acting in Video Games

04:12 Tom Keegan's New Book: A Guide for Directors and Actors

10:03 Understanding Place, Time, and Action in Voice Acting

12:31 Common Mistakes in Performance Capture and VO Booths

17:02 BRAVA: Elevate Your Voice Acting Skills

17:46 Tapping into Emotional Truth in Imaginary Worlds

20:22 The Physicality of Voice Acting

23:28 The Evolution of Voice Performance

24:32 Casting Voice Actors for Games

26:32 Finding Subtext in Game Scripts

28:49 Unlocking Great Performances

31:56 Self-Care for Directors and Actors

35:00 The Importance of Coaching

36:41 Skills for Iconic Storytelling Projects

38:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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