What the heck is it: It's a simple easy test that will prove if your voice sings, flows like poetry, drips melody or if it simply grates and croaks.

What it takes:
Option # 1: Radio
Reading out or singing into a microphone set to record your voice. The best way is to participate in the Yuvavani auditions that every station of All India Radio conducts periodically.

In fact, these shows are constantly looking for youngsters who can host a small quiz show, read out a classic, moderate a discussion, etc. So they conduct auditions almost every two months. Call your local radio station. Try your hand here.

Option # 2: Music and Television
For music or audiotapes, contact the local music cassette manufacturer to find out if they can do it for you for a small fee.

Alternately, participating in those television talent contests is also a good and cheaper alternative. All you have to do is send them an audiotape with your voice in it.

Option # 3: Local shows.
Grab the mike and compere the juniors' party at college. Or take the lead in your brother's birthday song. Or break into a religious ditty the moment the puja begins. In short, do anything that will get you to test the waters using your voice.

Where you can go:Akashvani studios in your city. Television channels that have talent contest. Music studios.

What to remember: “Wear your confidence. Chuck your accent,” says Usha Revelli, a veteran radio announcer with Aakashvani Delhi. Audible speech, the choice of appropriate words, the right emphasis on words are crucial, whether it is to read out news or sing a jingle, she adds.

Cut the accent. Nobody gets impressed with a firang accent, especially when you are trying for a job here. Also, avoid repeating words such as "You know", "I mean", "means", "like" etc. It is a sign of nervousness.

Finally, being well versed with news (if it is for news, anchoring, etc),music and styles is important.