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Picture yourself as a superstar athlete, at the pinnacle of physical fitness and earning a jaw-dropping $250,000 annually as a part of the reigning premiership-winning team.

You’ve just played the game of your life against your archrivals in one of the biggest matches of the season.

Exhausted yet exhilarated, you’re called up to the podium to receive the award for best player in the match.

With a live, nationwide television audience tuned in, including hundreds of thousands of impressionable children who idolize you as a role model and hero, you proceed to deliver the following lines in your acceptance speech: “…let’s have a f…ing good year.”

This unfortunate incident involves midfielder Michael Braun from the West Coast Eagles. After being honored with the prestigious Ross Glendinning Medal following the recent western derby in Perth, Braun was slapped with a $5,000 fine for swearing in public.

This single moment, fueled by the adrenaline rush of competition, has inflicted irreparable harm on the reputation and image of both the West Coast Eagles Football Club and the Australian Football League (AFL).

It is precisely why the AFL Commission convened with the Eagles to address matters concerning off-field player behavior.

The Eagles have been put on notice that any further appearance before the Commission will result in the full application of the 1.6 rule of conduct unbecoming, which can lead to fines, suspensions, loss of draft picks, or even forfeiture of premiership points.

Now, you may wonder what the purpose of recounting this story is, particularly if you are unfamiliar with AFL, the Eagles, or Michael Braun.

Well, the tale serves as a stark reminder of the significance of carefully selecting one’s words when delivering a speech.

It brings to mind the golden principles of microphone technique.

Here are ten invaluable tips on microphone technique to ensure the utmost impact of your message without tarnishing your reputation during public speaking engagements.

1. Never Utter Profanities In the Presence of a Microphone

I learned this cardinal rule during my time as a broadcaster at the esteemed Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Under no circumstances should you ever allow a curse word to escape your lips in the vicinity of a microphone, for you can never be certain when it is live!

This costly blunder may result in a financial penalty, like the $5,000 fine mentioned earlier, but the damage to your personal or professional reputation is immeasurable.

Remember, once spoken, it can never be unsaid, so it is imperative to exercise discipline from the outset.

2. Use a Microphone If Addressing More Than 30 People

The human voice is a delicate instrument.

Treat it with the utmost respect and avoid straining it, as doing so may cause long-term and irreversible damage.

Always request and employ a microphone when speaking to an audience comprising more than 30 individuals.

Clearly communicate your preferred microphone type to the event organizers well in advance of your speech.

Personally, I habitually forward a comprehensive set of audiovisual requirements to conference organizers at least six weeks prior to my presentation. These requests encompass my favored microphone type, as well as lighting specifications and desired stage setup.

3. Determine the Most Suitable Microphone for the Occasion – Striking Impact, Peace of Mind, and Hassle-Free Performance

A podium microphone is ideal for delivering a presidential-style speech wherein the podium serves as an anchor point.

Using a podium microphone affords you peace of mind and ensures a seamless speech flow, as it requires minimal adjustments once set in place.

4. Determine the Most Suitable Microphone for the Occasion – Striking Impact, Freedom, and Mobility

A lapel microphone, small in size, can be secured to the speaker’s clothing using a clip.

If you plan on moving about and venturing away from the podium, a lapel microphone serves as a more mobile alternative to a static-position microphone.

This device is typically plugged into a console that attaches to your belt, amplifying your voice without necessitating manual handling.

Often, lapel microphones are equipped with wireless capabilities, linking them to the primary PA system.

This is personally my preferred microphone style.

With experience, you become adept at disregarding the presence of the microphone, even employing head tilts and angles to modulate your volume, tone, and timbre in relation to the microphone.

One word of caution: if employing a lapel microphone, always remember to switch it off before visiting the restroom.

I’ve encountered stories of speakers inadvertently exposing their bodily functions to the entire audience because their lapel microphone remained activated, transmitting everything to the auditorium!

Headset microphones are a similar option, although I find them slightly cumbersome and intrusive to work with.

5. Determine the Most Suitable Microphone for the Occasion – Striking Impact, Impact, and Impact

Undoubtedly, a handheld microphone grants you the widest vocal range and control.

Thus, it is immensely popular among entertainers and performers.

However, as a seasoned professional public speaker, I prefer utilizing my entire body for kinaesthetic speaking. Holding a handheld microphone impedes my freedom of movement.

6. Familiarize Yourself with the Microphone’s “On” and “Off” Switch

Even seasoned professionals occasionally fall victim to this trap, which reflects poorly on their abilities as presenters.

Dedicate ample time to familiarizing yourself with the microphone’s on and off switch. Countless instances have seen speakers appear unprofessional on stage, searching for the switch while exclaiming, “How do you turn this thing on?” or similar queries.

7. Beware of Feedback

Feedback is a significant annoyance for any audience.

Roam around the stage and scour the room for potential feedback spots, making necessary adjustments as you go.

8. Employ the Clenched Fist Technique

Once more, I must credit this technique to the extraordinary broadcaster and speech coach Arch McKirdy during my time at the ABC.

He imparted a remarkable insight: the ideal distance between the microphone and your mouth or lips is determined by making a clenched fist. This serves as a benchmark measurement.

9. Directly Address the Microphone

Broadcasters despise being “off mike” because it drastically diminishes sound quality.

Always speak directly into the microphone, using a windsock to mitigate external noise or minimize the popping sound produced by the letter “p”.

10. Always Conduct a Sound Check

Prior to your presentation, take the time to perform a sound check.

Thoroughly examine the entire stage for any potential feedback spots.

Interact respectfully with the professional sound crew, introducing yourself and clearly communicating your requirements. For more complex presentations, rehearse your audio requirements.

Finally, express your appreciation to the crew when you have concluded. And once you are ready to take the stage, activate the microphone.

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Ihab Salloum