These are the notes I took from a presentation by Hannah B. Harvey. She is a professional storyteller and these notes are from some education CDs called the Great Courses. Any misinformation or inaccuracies is the fault of the note taker.

• Microphones project your voice through speakers. It has the capacity to fail. Feedback and cut outs)
• It gives you another way to manipulate your voice.
• When you hear your voice proj3ct it makes your voice sound different. It can distract you if you’re not used to it.
• A hand held mic distances you from your audience (it’s between you and your audience). You want the mic to be an extension of you.
• You don’t want the mic in your face.
• Mic attached to a lectern can hold your notes but the lectern also blocks most of your body.
• If you have a mic on a stand, you can take it off and give you more movement flexibility. The stand can hold the mic and you can use your hands.
• A lapel mic gives you the most movements. It works in connection to a receiver. Connect to a remote control. If you move away from the receiver it the mic won’t work.
• Lapel mics have a tendency to cut out and you have less movement of the face as your voice moves way form mic this could limit your movement.
• Try to get to the location ahead of time to do a sound check and volume gives you a chance to try the mic in your hand.
• You may need to adjust the mic to match your height. Can make a joke of working on the mic
• With a cord be careful you don’t rip over it. But use your other hand to direct the cord it way from your body.
• Even with a mic you need to project from your diaphragm.

If you have any observations or advice about the use of a microphone, please feel free to share in the comment section of this blog.