Here is a fun little exercise that someone sent me which contains indisputable mathematical logic. It also made me laugh because it seems true, whether we’re talking about becoming a successful voiceover talent or anything else.
Using a strictly mathematical viewpoint, what makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103? What makes up 100% in life?
Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
are represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
And
P-E-R-S-I-S-T-A-N-C-E
16+5+18+19+9+19+20+1+14+3+5 = 129%
And finally
P-E-R-S-E-V-E-R-A-N-C-E< 16+5+18+19+5+22+5+18+14+3+5 = 130%
So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that while Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, Attitude will get you there. However, it’s the Persistance and Perseverance that will put you over the top!
Being English and only having lived in the USA for a total of ten years, it is always amazing to me how different the English and Americans think and perceive our shared language….
I have often noticed whilst I try to tell a joke it can often offend and whilst sometimes I feel I want to offend for whatever reason over here it is seen as joking, hopefully one day I will reach the end and figure out the entire plot…
I am just looking into entering the voice over industry, after having many people for years say I should do it, this blogsite has been a great source of information, sometimes daunting, yet very much the glass is half full and not half empty…
I appreciate all the insight greatly, many thanks, now to find someone to help and aid me in creating my first demo 🙂
Many thanks
Phil
Hi, Phil. If you do figure out the whole plot, be sure to let me know! All jokes aside, I am so happy if my words have helped you toward your dream. Not only is the glass at least half full, but I see more than one glass on table in this abundant world.
I lift my glass to you to celebrate your taking action and send you best wishes for every success, in voice-over and all other aspects of your life!
Karen
I was about to link to this post when I noticed that PERSISTANCE is misspelled (oh horrors!). Whoever created the original joke misspelled it, and I perpetuated the error here. However, spelling counts, especially here since PERSISTENCE gives you even more points, both in this blog post and in your quest toward voiceover excellence!
Karen
I absolutely love this, Karen. I may be stealing it 🙂
Hi, Marie! I forgot I wrote this article and enjoyed reading it again! 🙂
It’s true, so feel free to share!
Karen