The Microphone

Types: Handheld, Lavalier, Headset

The choice of amplification device is a strategic decision that affects both sound quality and the speaker's expressive freedom. There are mainly three variants on the conference market.

The headworn microphone is technically the superior choice for dynamic speakers.

Being fixed to the head and maintaining a constant distance from the mouth, it ensures that the volume does not fluctuate, regardless of how the user moves, allowing full gesticulation with both hands.

On the other hand, the lapel or lavalier microphone is aesthetically discreet, but has significant technical drawbacks: if the speaker turns his head sideways to look at a slide or the audience, the voice is lost or diminished drastically when leaving the pickup axis.

Finally, the handheld microphone is a robust and common option, but it imposes a severe physical constraint: it negates the use of one hand, limiting body language and forcing the speaker to manage the change of hand if he or she needs to point to something or use a pointer.

Hand-held microphone technique (distance and angle)

If circumstances force the use of a handheld microphone, it is imperative to master its technique to avoid audio failures.

The most common mistake is to hold it at chest height or at an angle, assuming that it will pick up the sound ambiently.

The physics of sound dictates that these devices, usually cardioid, pick up what is directly in front of them.

Correct positioning involves holding the microphone so that the capsule points directly at the mouth, keeping it at a constant distance (usually about a few inches) and slightly below the lower lip to avoid air "bumps" from occlusive consonants.

The microphone should move in unison with the head; if the speaker turns his or her face, the boom should follow that movement.

In addition, it is crucial to request return monitors (speakers facing the stage) so that the speaker himself can hear himself.

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