How Do You Say That?! podcast

Michael Ashtiany: The one with the Cat Called Dave!

0:00
33:15
Rewind 15 seconds
Fast Forward 15 seconds

In ep 139 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Michael Ashtiany joins Sam and Mark to talk about judging a read properly depending the demographic of the audience... Making a story so a script is easy to follow... How to nail a "being bored" read and how having a connection to the subject matter can make all the difference to your delivery. We also meet a demonic cat, a psychotic PE teacher and there's a script about sleep that'll make you sit up wide awake!

Our VO question this week is all about keeping positive when perhaps the industry can feel a little negative at times!

Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam's social media or email it directly to [email protected]

Script 1

I would like to point out I am not illiterate.

Diagnosing the actual problem is pretty much the v - e - t's sole function in society but alas on this occasion I doubt she's going to be of very much assistance.

[a demonic cat miaow/hiss]

I feel the need to point out that I am not in the least bit psychotic, I am in fact demonically possessed. There is a big difference.


Script 2

About an hour and a half before bed, it helps to start winding down.

Falling asleep isn’t like flicking a switch, it’s more like slowly turning down a dimmer. A little routine before bed tells your body, okay, time to switch off.

And in the morning? Here’s the tough bit…when the alarm goes, get up right away. I know, it feels brutal. That groggy, heavy-eyed feeling has a name…sleep inertia. But snoozing only makes it worse. The best fix? Get up, get moving, and shake it off.


We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!

**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"

About our guest:

Michael Ashtiany is a multi-award nominated voice actor from Manchester, but now lives in France! He's been in the industry for 8 years and has voiced for brands including Amnesty International, Netflix, Paypal, and Amex. He's a passionate sports fan, particularly football, and has loved voicing his team Manchester United, as well F1 and Rugby League. He's also big on the voiceover podcast scene too... co-hosting the Off Air Voiceover Podcast.

Michael's Website

@manchester_vo on Instagram

@manchester__vo on X


Resources: Click here for the Wildcard Generator and don't forget to think of an action your character can be doing!


About your hosts:

With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark Ryes has been trusted to be...

More episodes from "How Do You Say That?!"