ChopFlopAndRoll

This is HUGE, folks. The days of the big-boom announcer guy are quite over, and there's too many people still doing it to be competitive in that arena. Simply be yourself and you'll be golden.

I don't want to hijack this man's AMA but a demo real is quite easy to put together. Adobe Audition (software) is a good starting point and can be had for as little as $20 a month. I'm in radio and its funny that you mentioned smiling, because I try to do that every time I open the mic. PM me should you not receive any further help here, I'd be happy to help.

Odd follow up but what do you use on the floor? Carpet? Hardwood?I move around quite a bit when I record, and found that I'm not quite ready for the 416. Being in radio I still use a RE20 both personally and professionally, which gives me much more freedom. Takes quite a bit of focus to properly use a 416. I listened to your demo. Quite impressive.

Shotgun mics tend to help isolate in potentially noisy environments. The 416 is an industry standard

What is the license free music and sfx library you use? I imgaine that would be incredibly helpful for people starting, as libraries can be incredibly expensive. Also, how in the world did you sound proof a boat studio? I use a closet and still have trouble recreating my proper studio sound. Is that why you use the 416?