Do you make these mistakes with a microphone?

Do you make these mistakes with speaking with a microphone?

Microphones and Speaking With Power

How do you feel about that microphone in front of you?

Do you love it?
Do you hate it?

Most people have a love-hate relationship with the mic.

Have you ever noticed this? The speaker is at ease in front of the room, and has sufficient volume to be heard in a large room or auditorium. Place a mic in front of him and he instantly forgets to use his full voice!

Why?

Fear of overpowering the microphone!

Some people find the thought of being recorded as intimidating.
Or think how horrible their voices sound on a recording.

For whatever reason, place someone who has a clear and confident voice in front of a mic, and his presentation skills disappear!

I’m asked what can be done to get over this stumbling block. I say this: “Just FORGET IT!” No, I’m not being rude or inconsiderate, or telling you hide your head in the sand and just hope the problem goes away.

See, there’s a misconception here - it’s even being taught in many voice training and voiceover classes. I’ve even seen this fundamental flaw in a popular book on public speaking.

What is it? Many people, including professional announcers, believe that you speak *into* a microphone.

No! Never, ever, not even once ever, speak into a microphone. (Was that strong enough?)

Here’s what I mean. The sound system is an aid to your power voice, not a replacement for it.

• When you in a situation where a mic is being used, don’t talk to the microphone, always speak *past* it.
• When speaking in a large hall with a microphone, speak to the middle of the *audience.*
• If you’re recording alone in a studio, speak past the microphone right into the control room to the people working the console.
• In a radio studio when you’re being interviewed, speak to the person who is interviewing you.

The placement of the mic is important for recording your voice, but once the engineer has placed the mic, that is the last time you should even think about the microphone.

It’s a simple concept, yet many times I hear this: “love the microphone, and the microphone will love you” No!

Stop thinking you have to speak *into* the mic! When you speak *past* the mic, you’ll find you aren’t even aware that it’s there. You’ll then find yourself and your voice attaining a comfort and ease that weren’t there before, and your presentation will be unequaled.

Mark The Voice

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