Using a microphone for your next presentation?
Make sure you test it properly – it could make or break your delivery.
I observed a “potentially” good presentation recently.
But it was pretty much ruined by the microphone.
At some points, the sound practically disappeared.
At other points, when the speaker moved, the sound became a loud screech.
It kept happening.
And the poor speaker gave a shocked and confused look every time.
How can you reduce the chances of this happening to you?
Do a “full” sound test beforehand.
This sounds obvious and most speakers do some kind of sound test.
So what do I mean by a full sound test?
Take the microphone and speak for a few moments from each space you’ll use in the final performance.
How far left or right will you move in the real thing?
Test it from those positions.
How far forward or back will you move?
Test it from those positions too.
Test it from within every square metre you intend to use.
This will let you know where the weak spots are.
You can then allow the technical team to adjust the levels.
Or, if the issue cannot be fixed, simply avoid the weak spots.
It adds only a few minutes to your presentation, but it could save your presentation.
A few minutes of preparation can prevent lasting distraction.
And remember…
Great delivery deserves to be heard clearly and a full sound check ensures your message comes through load and clear.
For more helpful presentation tips – check out the following article on three simple ways to re-energise delivery when the content no longer excites you…
