You heard this many times during conferences. Speakers will test the mic live with the audience and repeat the same phrase or a modified version of it: Testing 1, 2, 3 … Checking the sound system is very important. There is no point of speaking if the audience cannot hear you clearly. And if you try to project your voice, you will lose it quickly. Therefore, the mic and the technician operating it are your best friends. Here are the basics for dealing with the different mics.
The Handheld Mic. This type is associated with comedians. They use it for one important reason. Holding the mic with your hand gives you the freedom of bringing it closer or farther to help with your voice projection. You are in complete control. It is a great mic if your talk involves impersonations or storytelling to give your characters voice and uncover their unique personas. Holding this mic also gives the image of an authority!
The Lavalier Mic. Unlike the handheld mic, this mic gives you the freedom to use both your hands to have more natural hand gestures while speaking. This advantage is amplified if you are demonstrating a product or holding a clicker to move through your slides. However, it has two main disadvantages compared to the handheld mic: Your voice will not be projected enough when you turn your head left or right and you cannot interview the audience as part of your talk.
The Countryman Mic. The crème de la crème of all mics. Once you try it, you will dislike all the other mics. Your sound will be so clear. You were it on your ear and because of that you never lose projecting your voice when you turn your head left or right. It also makes you appear as a tech-savvy speaker who is up to date with the latest technologies. The best part is you could buy one to take it with you wherever you speak as it is compatible the holding unit of the lavalier mic.
Now, you know the basics of dealing with the various types of mics. Let us move on to few tips that applies to all types of mics. Firstly, always have spare batteries in case the mic’s battery dies. Secondly, have a spare mic in case you encounter a technical failure with the mic you are using. Thirdly, ask the event organizers to have handheld mics available around the venue if you intend to have an interactive talk with the audience or plan to have a Q & A session.
On a final note, please do not look like a novice speaker when you begin your talk by testing the mic live with the audience. It shows you are not adequately prepared. You should look like a professional speaker who knows the speaking game inside out. Arrive early to the venue, look for the sound technician. Greet him with a genuine smile and a firm handshake. Inform him you are one of the speakers and you need to test the mic. Your talk should begin with a bang not “testing 1, 2, 3.”