Yes, You Need a Microphone!
"I don't need a microphone."
How many times have you heard this from a speaker addressing an audience?
It is sometimes presented in the form of a question like "I don't need a microphone, do I?" or "You all can hear me, right?".
Yes, you need the microphone. Always.
Why?
Because good public speaking is about putting the audience first. There is bound to be someone in the audience who will have a hard time hearing you.
This is not just about people who are hard of hearing. Though, let's address that issue first. Asking whether you need a microphone puts the responsibility on the hard-of-hearing listener to self-identify in front of the group. Never mind that they might actually not even hear you ask the question in the first place. They may also be reluctant to admit their hearing difficulties in front of others. To ask them to do so puts your preference over theirs. That's not good public speaking.
Even those who don't typically have a hard time hearing may have challenges given the nature of public speaking. What if they are in the back of a room with poor acoustics? What if they are sitting next to two people having a loud side-bar conversation? What if they traveled that morning and the pressure in their ears hasn’t equalized?
Or maybe, you just aren't as loud as you think you are. Regardless of the reason, you need the microphone.
For speakers
This one is easy. If you are speaking to a group and there is a microphone available, use it.
This doesn't just apply to the speaker at the front of the room. Is someone running a microphone through the audience during a Q&A session? Wait for them to get to you before asking your question.
For organizers
If you are hosting or organizing the event, make sure you have a microphone and PA system available. Test the system to ensure it works as expected.
Also, prepare your speakers to let them know they are expected to use the microphone without question. Discuss how any Q&A session will work so they know to wait for the microphone to reach the audience member.
If one of the speakers still asks the "I don't need this, do I?" question, have the facilitator insist that they do. I've even seen the opening MC call-out the fact that all speakers have been asked to use the microphone for some added pressure.
For the audience
If a speaker asks whether they need a microphone, be the person to respond "yes". Even if you are in the front row and can hear them fine, respond yes so that the responsibility doesn’t sit solely with those who don't' want to self-disclose.
If you have a question during Q&A…wait for the microphone to reach you before you start asking the question.
This Week's Action Items:
If you are a speaker, use the mic.
If you are putting on an event, prep the speakers beforehand.
If you are in the crowd, regardless of hearing ability…ask for the mic to be used.
