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.
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.
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!
This Post is sponsored by Quality Entertainment
