A microphone is one of the basic tools of public speaking. Most people treat it like it’s some form of weird alien technology designed to make communicating a more difficult ordeal than it already is. Here are a few simple tips to help you use a mic to full advantage.

1. Before your presentation, take time to become familiar with the microphone.
2. Test the Microphone. Say at least one or two sentences to hear how your voice is being projected. Make sure you can be heard at the back of the room.
3. Adjust the microphone to the correct height and distance from you. It should be positioned at chin level approximately two to five inches away.
4. Speak directly into the microphone. Don’t turn your head away from it or your voice will not project evenly and your message will not be clear.
5. Breathing should be as quiet as possible, regular and without undue tension of muscles. Noisy breathing, rustling papers and clutching or kicking the mike stand will be magnified.
6. Be Aware of microphone cords, particularly if wearing a throat mike.
7. Use vocal energy as you would when speaking without a microphone. Project – make your voice as resonant as possible.
8. Relax. Think of the microphone as a friend and let it carry your message.

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