When making your first public performances, one of the most unprepared skills is often how to use a microphone. It's simple, right? You sing into one end, a wire comes out the other end and hooks up to a speaker. What else is there to know? Actually, quite a bit, and these key bits of information can make a very big difference in how your voice is received by the audience. Poor microphone technique can ruin even the most wonderful of voices.
Microphone Care
Never, NEVER tap the mic. This is something we often see done in movies and the like, but there are much better ways to see if the microphone is turned on. Tapping the mic is not only annoying to those listening, but also damaging to the mic itself. Tapping the mic will show your audience that you are inexperienced before you have even started to sing. To check the mic, speak into it. One of the most common things to say is simply "check".
Never point the microphone at the speakers. Both you and the audience will be very sorry if you do. This will cause an ear-splitting sound called feedback, and in some cases it can even damage the equipment. The people who own the equipment will be very angry with you.
Your Own Microphone
If you are already or planning on performing with a mic on a regular basis (even if it's just karaoke), you should consider getting your own microphone. Not only does this avoid all the germs that may be lurking on a communal microphone, but having your own ensures that you will be comfortable with its "behavior". Most importantly, you will be able to practice.
Remember that not all mics are created equal, and not all are even meant for vocal use. Before buying, try different microphones out in the store, and if possible, rent different models to try at home. Never buy a mic without testing it. Most importantly: this equipment is what carries your voice to the audience. If you are going to bother buying a mic, go for quality. You get what you pay for.
Singing With A Microphone
Don't "Eat" The Mic
Closer is not better. The closer your mouth is to the mic, the more it is likely to pick up "non singing" sounds such as breathing (or your teeth chattering...)! Although you will want to move the mic to achieve certain effects (we'll talk about that in a minute) a good rule of thumb is two inches between mouth and mic. This should be experimented with and adjusted based on how sensitive the mic is (how easily it picks up sound) and how loudly you typically sing.
Hold the Mic Properly
Hold the Mic gently but firmly - don't squeeze it. Sing across the top of the mic - not right into it, and not into the side of it. You want the audience to see your face, not the mic.
Sing To Your Audience
Remember that your mic is not the audience - it will pick up the sound without you staring at it.
Adjust To Your Volume Level
If you a well-developed singer, then you will be making use of dynamics (remember that chapter? ) Since your singing will change volume depending on where you are in the song, you may have to pay a little more attention to what your mic is doing. When you get to that high note that you really tend to blast out, what is going to happen to the mic if you keep it at the same distance as when you were singing quietly? Not only will you likely get a "windy" sound from all that extra air, but it will likely be a bit too loud. The solution? Move the mic farther away from your face!
When you are moving the mic to adjust to a different volume level, try to avoid moving it in a jerky motion. Not only will this look silly, but it will result in a noticeable difference in the sound. Hopefully, you will remember that a cresendo should be achieved gradually, and this will allow you to move the mic away gradually as the volume increases.
Know How The Mic Works
Before a performance, make sure you know whether or not you are required to turn the mic on yourself, or if someone else will do it for you. Are you using a stand? Will you take it off the stand? Do you know how to take it off the stand? These are important questions that if overlooked, can make you look quite silly in front of an audience.
