May 8, 2015Alan Viau

3 Tips on Using a Microphone at Weddings

The most common complaint at wedding ceremonies and receptions is “I couldn’t hear a thing that was said!” As someone told me, “It makes for a long silent movie”. Certainly this is not what you want at your wedding. There are some very simple things that I do to ensure that the audience can hear and share in the wedding event.

Mic-speech-sized

Microphones seem to be a very scary thing. People seem to fear using them. I often hear a speaker say, “I don’t need to use this, right?” If you ask – you do. And when they do, it is used so improperly that they may has well not have a microphone at all.
Microphones and other sound amplification systems are there to help you be heard. They are tools to properly pass your message along in a crowd setting. My rule of thumb is to use a microphone for an audience of over 100 people.

Tip #1: Put the microphone on your chin with the knob pointing straight up.  Notice in the first photo the person is reading his notes and holding the microphone away from himself. Often times the person never brings the microphone any closer while they are reading forcing the DJ to crank up the microphone which results in feedback.

In the second photo, this gentleman is holding the microphone in a better position to make it easier for the microphone to pick up the person’s voice and allow the DJ to turn the mic which avoids feedback. By holding the microphone below your mouth, the air passes over the microphone which avoids those annoying popping “p” sounds. If you are standing at a podium avoid standing to the side of the mic since most podium microphones have a narrow pick up pattern to avoid feedback and you won’t be in range if you are off to the side.

 

Courtesy of Oak Street Studios
Courtesy of Oak Street Studios

Tip #2 You still need to speak up. It is a sound amplification system. It must have sound to amplify – so use your stage voice. Let the sound technician worry about the levels – give them something to work with. One other tip is to resist yelling. When you yell, your voice usually goes into an upper register. You may sound screechy – especially for women. So speak from your belly.

Tip #3 Slow down and enunciate. A large room that contains more than 100 people will bounce sound around. To be heard clearly, you need to slow down and pronounce each word. This also plays to the concept that people hear at a slower pace than they can think or speak. Slowing down gives them time to digest your message – and get your jokes. Listen to comedians – they tell their jokes slowly so you get it!

One final note, great DJ services, like Quality Entertainment, have a variety of microphones to suit your use and purpose. Talk with them to determine what is best for your wedding – from wired mics to wireless headsets. 
Taking care of these tips will ensure that everyone has heard what you have set out to say during your speeches – that you love each other and wish to share a future of happiness together.

This Post is sponsored by Quality Entertainment