Yes, you do need to use the microphone

Whilst we might not be able to do face to face events yet it doesn't mean we can't get prepared for them. When the time comes, you want to make the best impression with your audience.

Pass the mic, and use it

Using a microphone will help you sound better and serve others. When you have 30 or more people in a room and there is a mic available, please use it. Always use a microphone if the event is going to be recorded. 

When you make use of the mic, the audience will be able to hear you, and you can comfortably speak without having to strain your voice. Plus, it's the polite thing to do and makes for good conference etiquette. 

If there are not mic runners at the event, it requires a little patience to pass the mic along to the next person. But it really isn't about you and how you feel about using a mic, or that you think you have a voice that is loud enough. As a hearing impaired person, I can tell you, your voice is not loud enough.

No thanks

I recently went to an event with 60 business leaders in attendance. Towards the end of an interesting talk about productivity, it was time for the Q&A session and there were two people at the back of the room ready to pass the mic to those with questions. 

The first person posed their question speaking into the mic, all good. 

The next person waved away the microphone, ‘I'm all good, thanks’. The next person, ‘I don't need a microphone, thanks’. And the next, ‘No need for that, I have a very loud voice’. Not one person after the first, accepted the mic. 

I was sitting towards the back of the room and I got to see the backs of heads, but I couldn't hear the questions. The speaker answered each question into her microphone for all to hear, so that gave me a reasonable guess as to the question asked.

People looked bored 

As I looked around the room I sensed that people were switching off, and starting to get fidgety maybe because they also couldn't hear.

Nobody said anything, which surprised me. The idle mic runners stood like sentries at the back of the room and people either glazed over and tuned out or began to chat in hushed tones with their neighbour. 

Not a great end to what started out as an excellent presentation. 

I don’t like using the microphone

Sound familiar? We don't all have a love of speaking into a microphone, but learning to get comfortable with one is an essential part of business communication. Don't make it hard for people to listen to you. 

 "I was a shy kid with a broom handle that I pretended was a microphone."

Patti LaBelle. 

3 Tips to using the microphone when it’s passed to you

1. Accept the microphone. If you are in a room where there are 40 or more people then a microphone is necessary and you are helping others including the speaker by making use of it. You are also doing yourself a favour by taking care of your voice. 
2. Hold the microphone about 10 cm from your face just under your mouth. When your head moves, move your hand with it so that your mic follows your mouth. Use your free hand to make hand gestures. Don't wave the mic around near your navel.
3. Speak normally and let the microphone amplify your voice. 

The microphone is an opportunity for you to get heard and as a person with hearing impairment, I can tell you that it will make everybody's life easier. 

Thank you for using the microphone.

About the author

Lisa Evans helps leaders and entrepreneurs to craft compelling business stories and become exceptional speakers. Lisa is one of less than 150 speakers in Australia with the designation Certified Speaking Professional, a certified speaker coach, TEDx speaker coach, author, NLP practitioner, graphic recording artist, and improvisation actor. 

She has coached over 1,000 leaders across a range of industries, including resources, banking, finance, engineering, retail and sales as well as not-for-profit and community associations. 

If you wish to access a complimentary session in order to chat about how you can become an exceptional and successful speaker with a stand-out brand, then use this link to book a time to chat.

How I can help you.

Virtual Training and coaching - all my programs are available as live virtual training. Sessions can be customised to suit your team.

Business Storytelling Coaching – together we can get started to create your suite of stories. A minimum of three sessions is recommended 1:1 in person or virtually via Zoom.

Executive Speaker Coaching – if you have an upcoming guest speaking opportunity, funding pitch, conference talk or you want to be an outstanding speaker, we can work together on your technique. You will see the results after one session.

Storytelling for Leaders Interactive Workshops – From half-day to two-days immersive, this customised workshop is an ideal way to kick start your business storytelling strategy and get the whole team telling stories. 

Keynote/Guest Speaking at your next virtual conference or event.