The Aussie Speaking Guy

Right through the centuries, people such as the Romans and the Greeks used locations like the colosseum and amphitheatres to deliver their message as they were designed acoustically that they didn’t need the used of a sound system and microphone. However, these days speaking in the modern arena of hotels and function rooms it’s a little different with microphones and sound systems.

You must make it easy for people to listen. You may prepare well, know your material and deliver it well, but if you don’t use the microphone correctly then all that hard work will be in vain.

So this short video is to ensure that you don’t make this mistake. When new speakers start in the field of presenting, it can feel like someone who drives a stick shift car for the first time. Remember when you learnt to drive…you felt like to had alot to think about.

You’d have one foot on the accelerator another foot on the clutch, changing gears, plus you had to think about the brake all at the same time. And at first it can feel a little overwhelming.

I’ve seen new speakers do this before. If they are in a position where they are given a hand-held microphone in which to speak, they can forget where they are and the microphone can go all over the place causing the sound to be to erratic. They put the microphone down here…over here…anywhere were it should go.

If you are not conscious on it, this can happen and detract from your message.

Let’s briefly talk about three different types of microphones.

Lavaliere microphones or sometime called lapel microphones are generally attached to the speakers clothing. These can be great as long as the equipment is good quality and the batteries in the transmitter are fresh as these microphones are generally cordless.

There is nothing more distracting then a microphone cutting in and out as the speaker is delivering his presentation. (It’s a distraction to the speaker as well as the audience) So, be sure if you are using one of these that it’s tested before the presentation.

The next type is the hand-held…

Hand-held microphones come in both corded and cordless variety. How you position these microphones is very important. Even though these microphones are generally omni-directional (meaning it can pick up sound from around it)
The general rule of thumb is to keep the microphone about 4-6 inches away from your mouth. If it’s too close then your words become distorted and any words containing the letter ‘P’ begin to pop. Use a little more volume than you would be normal conversation but be sure to regulate you volume by listening to how you sound.

The way you hold the microphone is also important. By keeping your elbow fix against you, it will enable you to remain constant with how you sound…this is very important.

Another point to keep in mind is if you need to clear your throat, cough or sneeze, be sure to turn away from the microphone and the audience to do so. Not only does a cough and sneeze sound terrible through a sound system, but nobody else will want to use a microphone covered with your splatter.

And thirdly…using a lectern. If you are using a lectern or a stand from which to deliver your presentation be sure that the same rule applies as the hand-held…around 6 inches is a good distance. But once again you are best to test the equipment before.

Some of these microphones attached to lecterns can be very poor quality so you may have to vary the distance and get the sound guy to adjust the sound accordingly.

Another point to keep in mind when using a lectern in the height of the microphone. You never want the microphone to obstruct the view of you… you want to have it at such a level the audience doesn’t notice it.

These are the 3 main types of microphones. There are others, but these are the main ones.

Let’s briefly talk about your sound system.

With a serious talk, they can miss the occasional word and still get the understanding of your message.

If you decide to use humorous material in your presentation, be sure that the volume is turned up and you ultimately have a good system. Why? Because with humour, you want your audience to hear every word…if they don’t then they can easy miss words and one-liners and they may not get your jokes.

Use this tips and you’ll ensure that all your preparation is not in vain and that you’re clearly heard and understood.