Insider's Guide to Succeeding in E-Learning Voiceover: A Conversation with Adam Loffbom
Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Adam Loffbom, a seasoned voiceover artist with a remarkable career spanning 15 years. Adam's journey into the world of e-learning voiceover is a testament to his adaptability and passion for learning. From humble beginnings in Korea to working with global giants like Apple, Honda, and Coca-Cola, Adam has a wealth of experience and insights to share.
Getting Started: A Serendipitous Journey
Adam's foray into voiceover was rather serendipitous. Moving to Korea in 2006 with the intention of teaching English, he stumbled into the world of voiceover through a chance encounter. His knack for storytelling and engaging narration quickly set him apart, leading to a decade-long stint in Seoul, where he honed his craft across various domains, from educational content to animations and video games.
The Shift to E-Learning
In 2015, Adam decided to return to the States, setting his sights on Chicago to reignite his voiceover career. However, faced with the competitive landscape, he realized the need to carve a niche. Inspired by a presentation on e-learning rates, Adam pivoted his focus to e-learning voiceover, recognizing its potential for steady work and long-term client relationships.
Key Qualities for Success
For newcomers aspiring to enter the voiceover industry, Adam emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner. His broad knowledge base and curiosity have been invaluable assets in understanding diverse e-learning topics, ranging from trauma-informed teaching to data security protocols. Additionally, he stresses the need for a casual, friendly delivery, akin to conversing with a peer, which resonates well with modern e-learning trends.
Navigating Challenges: Complacency and Adaptability
Reflecting on his journey, Adam highlights complacency as a significant challenge. Despite early success, he found himself plateauing, emphasizing the need to constantly innovate and adapt. Similarly, he cautions against rigidity in marketing strategies, citing the shift from in-person to digital outreach due to the pandemic as a lesson in flexibility.
Embracing Trends in E-Learning
Looking ahead, Adam identifies microlearning and casual, peer-to-peer delivery as prevailing trends in e-learning voiceover. With attention spans dwindling, shorter, more engaging modules are on the rise. Moreover, the integration of AI poses both a challenge and an opportunity. While AI may dominate certain segments of voiceover, Adam believes that the human touch will remain irreplaceable in genres requiring empathy and connection, such as storytelling and emotional intelligence training.
Final Thoughts: A Long Game Perspective
As AI continues to evolve, Adam acknowledges the potential disruption it may bring to the voiceover industry. However, he remains optimistic, viewing it as an opportunity for reinvention rather than obsolescence. He encourages newcomers to embrace the long game, focusing on genres where human nuance and connection are paramount.
Adam's journey offers a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and passion for the craft. His insights serve as a guiding light for aspiring voiceover artists, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, flexibility, and a genuine connection with the audience in the ever-evolving landscape of e-learning voiceover.
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