Buzz
"Can everyone hear me without this?"—the hallmark of a poor public speaker stepping up to the stage. If a few folks in the front row respond with a yes, the mic is discarded. Unfortunately, this leaves those who are hard of hearing (or watching remotely, or sitting further back) unable to hear you. Just use the mic, please.
Erika Hewitt highlights the viewpoint of the hard-of-hearing individual in an article intended for preachers but relevant for anyone addressing an audience. Many people around us struggle with hearing, including those who could benefit from hearing aids but are too shy to seek them. Even those who wear hearing aids don’t experience flawless hearing. Hearing aids amplify sound—sometimes other voices as well—but they don’t focus solely on the person who says, “I’ll just talk louder,” and transmit their voice directly into someone’s mind.
Even without any hearing-related medical issues, people can still struggle if you neglect the mic. For example, in large rooms, you may fail to reach those sitting in the back. And in settings with webcasts or conference calls, any words not captured by the microphone simply vanish into the air.
As the speaker, not only should you ensure the mic is used, but you should also repeat anything that isn't picked up by it. If a question is asked, make sure to repeat it so everyone can hear. If another speaker adds their input, pass on that information as well (or give them the mic).
Hewitt offers additional advice to ensure everyone can hear you, not just the few in the front row. Here are some of her suggestions:
If someone asks you to repeat something, and especially if they ask more than once, try rephrasing it.
Avoid having words and music compete at the same time (for example, delivering a sermon while piano music plays in the background). “Hearing aids go into music mode,” explains one person with hearing loss, “and at that point, it’s like talking through a pillow.”
If possible, have someone bring a second microphone to people who are speaking; and be patient while waiting for the mic to reach them.
She also mentions that hearing loops, which directly transmit sound to hearing aids, are “incredibly beneficial” for individuals with disabilities. Check to see if your venue has one. And if you’re sitting in the front row with sensitive ears, help everyone out. When the speaker asks if they’re loud enough without the microphone, stand up and loudly declare:
Use the damn mic.
