How To Use Microphones

Microphones are designed to help your voice, not replace it. No matter how good the microphone, without effective vocal technique, your voice could remain unheard. Proper breathing, plenty of lubrication and vocal exercises are needed to ensure your voice remains in tip top shape. With a good voice, even poor microphones can be effective.

Microphone basics

• A microphone is a simple device that converts your voice into electrical signals. There are two main types, condenser and dynamic. If you are given a choice, go for condenser.
• Microphones can pick up sounds from one direction (unidirectional) or all around (omnidirectional). If given a choice, go for omnidirectional.
• Microphones are fragile. Treat them with care.
• Wherever possible, use radio mikes; sound degrades when using long cables.

Microphone tips

1. Preparation is the key ? always practice with the microphone before using it 'live'. Conduct a sound check in the conference room.

2. When using handhelds, hold them firmly in your non dominant hand, about 20cm from your mouth.

3. When using clip on mikes (also known as lapel mikes, lavalieres or tie mikes), clip them on to your clothing on the side closest to the audience (preferably also the side that is opposite your dominant hand).

4. Don't shout; talk at your normal level.

5. Always assume the microphone is on?! But check it is on before speaking?!

These tips are provided for speakers and presenters by Graham Jones.

For more speaking tips see: http://www.presentationbiz.com

---

Speaking On Your Feet

Your ability to communicate effectively will account for most of... Read More

Time Management

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No... Read More

Timing - Why You Should Never Go Overtime with Your Presentation or Speech

In a conference setting, nothing annoys audiences more than talks... Read More

Public Speaking Tips

1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

Giving Presentations: Public Speaking Secrets in a Nutshell

A high level manager contacted me in a panic. He... Read More

How to Polish Your Speaking Skills: Its Time for T.I.P.S.

When requested to write an article about public speaking tips,... Read More

Public Speaking - How to Make Your Next Speech Count

Along with the opening two minutes of a speech, the... Read More

Getting on the Speakers List

How do you get your name on a speakers list?Speaking... Read More

Top 7 Ways to Succeed in the Business of Speaking

How attractive are you as a speaker? No, your looks,... Read More

Public Speaking Tips: Lessons From Former US President Ronald Reagan

If you want public speaking tips, what are the ten... Read More

How Authors Can Get a Free Promotional Tour

I was a celebrity lecture agent in the college and... Read More

Performance Feedback: Why Were Scared and How Not to Be

Effective communication is not a one-way street. It involves an... Read More

Speak to Be Heard and Understood

Use your voice to your advantage. One of your main... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

The Top 5 Public Speaking Questions Answered

There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More

The Ps and Qs of Public Speaking

Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More

How to Get Started In Public Speaking

Public speaking is among the five most feared activities human... Read More

How To Dramatically Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

This Article Is For Those Who Understand How Persuasive Communication,... Read More

How to Become a More Persuasive Speaker: A Systems Approach

There is no surer way to get ahead in business... Read More

Does Uptalk Make you Upchuck?

Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More

Directing Voiceovers: Dont Be, Do!

Directing a voice-over talent you've hired to read a spot... Read More

Lessons in Love for the Shy at Heart

One of the biggest regrets of my life is that... Read More

How to be a Great Speaker

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with... Read More

How To Handle Audience Questions Effectively

For some reason, the prospect of having to answer audience... Read More

Public Speaking: Getting the Room Set-up Right

I don't know why it is, but no matter how... Read More

7 Sure Fire Ways To Overcome Stage Fright When Speaking Or Performing

Prayer or Meditation: If you're a believer you can pray... Read More

Getting Results from Your Writing & Speaking

When we communicate, we usually want something to happen. We... Read More

Now Appearing: 9 Tips for a Well-Attended Event

When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More

Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value

Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider... Read More

Poised for Success: How Developing Self-Awareness Can Improve Your Presentations

There are a number of factors that determine how your... Read More

Speech Writing Secrets Of President Bill Clinton

Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More

Earn Your Cs as A Speaker

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More