Working on a microphone pg. 1
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Never worked on a microphone before? Well, it is different from simply speaking aloud. The microphone will be on a stand, and I'll adjust that as you get up to perform. Here's a few tips on sounding your best:
1. Speak in a normal voice. You shouldn't need to push your voice to be heard.
2. Keep your mouth approximately 1-2 inches away from the microphone. Your lips shouldn't be touching the surface of the microphone. This is the 'rule' for your normal speaking voice. If your performance includes shouted or whispered lines, take that into account. For a shout you'll want to pull away from the microphone. For a whisper, you'll want to move in.
3. Record your voice on your computer, mobile, or other device to give you an idea of what you sound like. Listen for vocal glitches - ems, ers, mouth sounds. This is what you'll want to work on minimising.
4. Practice speaking with your palm held about 1 inch from your mouth. Every time you feel a breath of air coming from your mouth (the letters B and P are typical problems) the microphone will pick up and amplify your breath tremendously. Work to limit that - you can do it without sounding like a fool, trust me.
5. Don't plan on trying to pick the microphone up. Taking a live mic off a stand will cause all sorts of fumbling sounds. Just leave it on the stand.
