When presenting its essential to be heard clearly. With an audience over a certain size, you’ll need to use some kind of voice reinforcement, commonly called a PA system, to amplify your speech.
A voice reinforcement system requires a microphone to collect the sound of the presenter, and there a myriad of microphone types to choose from.
To help you select the right microphone to suit your presentation style, here are some of the most common options available:
First up, and simplest, is the lectern microphone. This is fixed to a Podium or lectern.
It has the advantage that anyone can walk up and use it at any time, so if there are several people presenting, there's no need for each one to have their own microphone.
However it does tie the speaker to the podium, which can make things look quite formal
If you want to move around on the stage area, you can choose a handheld microphone.
These are ideal for noisy or informal presentations like awards dinners or for announcements by a Master of Ceremonies, however the cable can get in the way, so if you intend using a handheld mic for a large amount of time, it might be worth considering using a radio system.
Radio systems replace the cable that goes between the microphone and the sound system. They require an experienced technician to make sure you get the best out of them, and that you don’t contravene any of the complex licensing laws that apply to the use of radio frequencies in the UK.
The transmitter itself is battery powered, but your technical operator will keep track of the power level for you, and change to fresh batteries during scheduled breaks.
Radio mic’s come in several flavours. The hand held is essentially the same as the wired version, but without the restrictions imposed by the cable. Its ideal for stage work, but can also be very useful to pass out into the audience during questions and answer sessions.
For a presenter that enjoys the freedom to walk around the stage, one of the wearable options is the solution.
The 'lavalier', or 'tie clip' mic, fastens to the presenter normally using a clip, though they can be stuck on using adhesive pads. There is a short wire which goes to the transmitter pack. These packs are battery powered, but the batteries can make it quite heavy, so it is important to have somewhere well supported to clip it to. A belt or trouser waistband is ideal. For anyone wearing a dress without a belt there are a few options, but fashion doesn’t always favour a box of electronics being fastened to it, so if you are going to use body work transmitters it is worth advising presenters well in advance that they should consider what they are going to wear.
Your technical team will always do what they can to come up with a solution, but its always better to choose clothing that has some way of supporting your transmitter safely, and without pulling your garments out of shape.
Lavalier mics are an excellent choice if you have a confident and clear speaking voice, but can sometimes sound quite thin and weak, especially if you have a lighter voice, or if your venue has challenging acoustics.
The preferred option in those instances is the wearable headset.
In the 90’s, pop singer Madonna famously wore a headset type microphone on her blonde ambition tour, and she became so synonymous with this type of microphone, that it is often referred to as a Madonna mic. Unlike the easily visible microphones from the 90's, modern head worn sets are so light by comparison, they are almost unnoticeable.
A very light wire frame clips over the ears like spectacles, and places the microphone only inches from the presenters mouth, ensuring loud and clear sound reproduction with complete freedom of movement.
You still need to consider how to fit the belt pack securely, but the headset option avoids the challenges of microphone placement caused by certain types of clothing.
So in summary:
Lectern or podium mics are the perfect option for those who are happy to stay in a fixed position.
A radio system allows freedom of movement, and the hand held is perfect for Audience Q&A.
For presenters who like to roam the stage, it’s a choice between the tie clip and the headset – but you must always remember the belt pack when choosing your outfit for the day.
For more information on how we can support your virtual, hybrid or in person event, get in touch. hello@confidence-digital.com
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