Saying yes to the microphone

If someone offers you a microphone, use it. Test it first and if it works, by…all means, use the mic.…Don't wait to ask the audience, "Hey, can you hear me okay?"…That's not a strong opening statement.…Plus you are wasting everyone's time.…You need to take a few minutes to set up and test the mic before you present,…not after you start.…In my experience, the main reason presenters become microphone shy is because…they are secretly afraid of it. This make sense.…

We are most accustomed to hearing our own voices without amplification.…With a mic our voices can sound loud and imposing to our own ears.…If you are not familiar with the sound of your amplified voice, it can sound…intimidating or even too loud.…Just remember, it may sound loud to you, but not to your audience.…So, how can you lose your fear and just say yes to mic support?…It's simple. Take a few moments before your presentation to get familiar with the mic.…This is why running an audio check prior to the presentation is so important.…