With most typical workplace presentation situations you’re likely to face, neither the size of the audience nor the size of the room is large enough to need voice amplification. So, simply speak up with your one-to-group energetic volume level and they can hear you fine.
On those rare occasions when you do need a microphone, don’t let the technology tail wag the presenter dog. But do make the most of the technology you have at hand:
- Where you have a choice, a wireless lavaliere is best for your maximum convenience, mobility and gesturing. Clip it high on your tie, lapel or shirt/blouse and try to bury the wire in your clothing if you can. Don’t touch the mic, as it’s very sensitive.
- If you must use a hand-held mic, again, the wireless kind is best for maximum mobility. Hold it in your non-gesturing hand below your mouth and about six inches away from it. Try to keep the mic in the same position all the time for consistent sound levels.
- If you have no alternative but a wired hand mic on the podium, keep it the same distance from your mouth. That means your physical movements will be greatly limited, so minimize this downside with even more effective gesturing.
- Check with the tech support people in the location you’ll be using to make the most of the tools you must use. If you tend to move around and the space is large, find out where the ‘hot spots’ are that can cause those annoying sounds of feedback so you can avoid them.
- Only the largest venues or events are likely to have a live technician adjusting volume in your room, so you need to establish a mic level before the audience arrives. And to avoid the lame audience question ‘Can you hear me now?’, have someone in the back of the room give you non-verbal signals about your volume.
So, make the most of your mic to help you delivery your engaging and energetic presentation. And make sure they can hear you now.