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Most speakers have to deal with the questions of when to use a microphone, when not to use a microphone, and how to use one. Why is this important? Audiences lose interest, doze, or leave when they cannot hear or are annoyed by echoes, crackles, or buzzing in the sound system. They frequently can't hear parts of a sentence because the microphone isn't properly positioned. Here are some tips to help prevent microphone mishaps.
Find out well in advance how good the sound system is. Check the sound system and test it out personally.
Arrive at the venue early and check and double-check the sound system. Know where the volume and control switches are in case you need to make an adjustment in the middle of a speech. Make sure you meet the person responsible for "the sound" and know where to find him. He could make or break your speech.
Make sure you know how to adjust the height of a microphone that is fixed to a stand. The speaker before you could be shorter or taller, so you should be able to confidently adjust the microphone to the correct height—just under your chin and facing upwards—before you start speaking. (Remember to switch off the mike when adjusting).
With hand-held mikes, remember to hold them up when you‘re talking, or there will be a lot of blanks in your speech. For a mobile microphone, check the length of the chord so that you can walk around easily. When using a cordless mike (whether hand-held or clipped to your clothes), remember to switch it off when not in use; otherwise, you might broadcast your cloakroom activities!
As a rule, your normal voice is sufficient for a gathering of up to 50 people, provided the room is not too large (else your voice could echo). Always use a mike if there's any doubt in your mind. Remember that not only the number of people and the size of the room, but also other on-site noises such as the sound of the air conditioner, banging of doors, catering staff, and piped-in background music may interfere with your ability to be heard. Check whether any building work is scheduled in the surrounding rooms. I still remember that I had to stop a speech halfway because of the sawing, drilling, and hammering on the upper floor!
Adjust the microphone so that it doesn’t cover your face. If the audience cannot see your facial expressions clearly, it will impact your message. A microphone amplifies all sounds. Be careful not to rattle your notes, burp, sniff, or cough into them. Even polyester clothes rubbing against the mike could be irritating to the audience.
Once you get yourself tuned in, you will be well-equipped to give a crisp, clean, and audible speech. You may not have a powerful voice like Martin Luther King, but you do have great technology available to you. Use it well and your voice is more likely to sound as powerful as Martin Luther King.
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