In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the often-overlooked world of microphones and their crucial role in effective storytelling and presentations. Drawing from his book, Martin explores the different types of microphones—handheld, lavalier, headset, and gooseneck—and discusses their unique characteristics and ideal use cases. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right microphone to ensure that your message is heard clearly and effectively, highlighting how sound setup is as vital as the content itself.
Listeners are treated to insider tips on sound check strategies, including how to navigate the acoustic landscape of a stage and maintain consistent sound quality throughout a presentation. Martin shares practical advice on microphone technique, such as avoiding microphone droop and marking a "safe zone" on stage for optimal sound. This episode empowers speakers to take control of their sound, enhancing their confidence and ability to connect with their audience. Join Martin as he uncovers the secrets to owning your sound and delivering impactful presentations.
[00:00:08]
Martin Kloss:
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
You know how much we love to be prepared for those big presentations. Right? We'll get ready to take that preparation to a whole new level today. Okay. You poured your heart into your message. Right. But have you considered how microphone choice could make or break your impact?
[00:01:10] Unknown:
It's one of those things that people don't think about, but it's so important. Yeah. You can have the most stunning visuals and the best stage presence, but if the audience is struggling to hear you Right. It's all for nothing.
[00:01:22] Unknown:
Exactly. Yeah. And it's like what this book we're diving into today points out Okay. Nailing the place. Mhmm. The sound setup is just as crucial as the content itself. Yeah. So get ready because Right. We're about to unlock some insider secrets about microphones that even seasoned presenters might not know. Consider this your backstage pass to a world that most people never think about, but which dramatically impacts how your message is received. I love it. Yeah. Okay. So let's break down this microphone landscape. We've got four main players, handheld, lavalier, headset, and gooseneck.
It's about choosing the right tool for the job. Precisely. Each has its own personality and ideal use case. Let's start with the one everyone pictures, the classic handheld microphone. It just screams, I'm giving a speech. It does. And thankfully, these days, they're often wireless. No more tripping over cords. Yeah. That's good news. Right. True. But even with modern technology,
[00:02:21] Unknown:
handhelds have their quirks. Oh, I'm sure. For one, that reassuring weight in your hand can also be limiting. Interesting. Okay. Fewer gestures,
[00:02:29] Unknown:
less freedom to move. I see what you mean. Yeah. And isn't there also that thing where people unknowingly lower the mic as they speak? Yes. Microphone droop.
[00:02:39] Unknown:
You got it. I've totally done that, by the way. It's almost subconscious. They're so focused on the audience that the mic slowly starts drifting south. Totally. And then there's the reporter trick where they touch it to their chin for a sense of distance. Is that why some reporters always seem to be stroking
[00:02:59] Unknown:
unnatural. It does. Especially during a panel discussion when you're addressing different people. Right. Speaking of looking natural, those tiny lavalier microphones seem to be everywhere on TV. They're masters of discretion. They're
[00:03:08] Unknown:
microphones seem to be everywhere on TV. They're masters of discretion, practically invisible, especially on camera. I bet. News anchors swear by them, as do many studio setups. So what's the trade off with these discreet little mics? Because they're so small, placement is critical. Oh, okay. Too close to rustling fabric, and you've got unwanted noise competing with your voice. Oh, yeah. Turn your head too far, and suddenly, you're fading out on the audience. Right. Right. It's all about finding that sweet spot, and I imagine testing beforehand is crucial.
[00:03:40] Unknown:
It's so true. And here's a detail that often gets overlooked, those standard beige lavalier mics. They can be quite visible on darker skin tones Very true. Which is something that we need to be aware of. Yeah. Absolutely. Such an important point about inclusivity. Yeah. It reminds me of that speaker that we both admire. Uh-huh. She always requests a specific headset for that very reason. Speaking of headsets, that leads us to our next microphone type. They seem to be a favorite for stage presentations.
[00:04:08] Unknown:
And for good reason. Secure fit, good sound quality, hands free operation, and you can move your head without impacting the audio. So it sounds like the perfect microphone. Well, they do have some drawbacks. Okay. What's the catch with headsets? For one, they are more visible than lavaliers, especially on camera if you're using a pop filter. A pop filter? Yeah. What's that? You know that round screen some microphones have? That's a pop filter. Okay. It helps to soften those harsh PMB sounds that can sometimes blast through a microphone.
[00:04:38] Unknown:
So that's what that is. I always wondered. Uh-huh. So headsets are great for being hands free, but might not be ideal for presentations being filmed. Who else? Headsets also tend to pick up more
[00:04:48] Unknown:
mouth noises, sips of water, coughs, things like that. Right. Right. And, again, that issue of beige being the default color often comes up. Right. Not exactly inclusive. Right. Inclusivity matters.
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Now for our final contender, let's talk about gooseneck microphones. Okay. They always remind me of press conferences for some reason.
[00:05:09] Unknown:
They're the reliable stationary option often seen in controlled settings where you might have multiple speakers using the same microphone. Think panel discussions, board meetings, that sort of thing. That makes sense. So they wouldn't be ideal if you like to wander around the stage. Exactly.
[00:05:23] Unknown:
So summing up our boost neck mic.
[00:05:26] Unknown:
Pros and cons. They offer reliable sound, but in a fixed position. Okay. Fantastic for stationary setup, not so great for dynamic presentations where you're moving around and engaging the entire room. Good to know. Yeah. So we've covered the main microphone types, but it strikes me that knowing your mic is just the tip of the iceberg, isn't it? There's a whole other level of sound check strategy that goes beyond just making sure it's switched on right. Yeah. It's like we've unlocked this hidden level of presentation mastery Absolutely. Taking control of our sound. And the beauty is when you're not worrying about how you sound, you can focus on what truly matters,
[00:06:03] Unknown:
connecting with your audience and delivering a powerful message. It's like that feeling of stepping on stage, you've prepared thoroughly, and now you just get to enjoy the moment. I love that analogy.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
Preparation breeds confidence. And that confidence, that command of the situation translates directly by how your audience perceives you. Absolutely. So if we had to distill everything we've learned today about microphones into one key takeaway, what would it be? The best microphone for you isn't about the brand name or the price tag. Okay. It's the one that fades into the background and lets your voice, your message, and your passion take center stage.
[00:06:38] Unknown:
So well said. It's about choosing the right tool for the job and then mastering that tool so it enhances your presentation, not distracts from it. Exactly. It's about owning your sound. I I love that. Owning your sound. Okay. So let's talk sound check strategy. Okay. What should we be doing beyond the basic mic test? Spill the secrets.
[00:06:59] Unknown:
First off, don't just stand rooted to one spot. Okay. Walk the stage, talk, and listen to how your voice sounds at different points. Uh-huh. Rooms have their own acoustic personalities,
[00:07:10] Unknown:
and the sound can shift depending on where you are. Wow. I admit I hadn't considered that before. Yeah. It makes so much sense, though. It's like scoping out the best lighting for a selfie, but for your voice. Exactly. A good sound technician will adjust levels as you move, but you, as the speaker, need to be aware of those differences too. That's a great point. So knowing the acoustic landscape of the stage is crucial. It is. What else can we do during a sound check to really nail our sound? Practice any movements you'll be making during your presentation,
[00:07:40] Unknown:
stepping closer to the audience for key points. Right.
[00:07:43] Unknown:
Those movements can all impact the sound. Right. You don't wanna accidentally wander into a feedback dead zone at a crucial moment. Exactly.
[00:07:51] Unknown:
That's the worst. And speaking of crucial moments, you know those monitor speakers pointed towards you on stage? Yes. The ones that let you hear yourself. Yeah. I've definitely had experiences where the monitor was either deafening or practically nonexistent. It's surprising how often those get overlooked. Don't be afraid to ask for adjustments. Oh, really? Yes. Some people like them loud. Some prefer them softer. Okay. It's your presentation, your voice.
[00:08:15] Unknown:
You should be comfortable with how it sounds to you. That's so important. Confidence in how you sound translates to confidence in your message. It really does. Are there any other common sound check pitfalls we can avoid? One thing that often gets overlooked is microphone technique
[00:08:30] Unknown:
when you're moving on stage. Let's say you're using a handheld wireless mic. You begin your presentation center stage, then take a few steps to the right to direct the audience's attention to a slide. Okay. I'm picturing it. As you move, keep that microphone a consistent distance from your mouth. Okay. Many speakers, without realizing it, will move the mic away as they gesture or shift their body. Oh, yeah. This leads to fluctuations in volume Yeah. And can be very distracting for the audience. It's so true. Yeah.
[00:09:03] Unknown:
So maintaining that like those dance classes where they teach you to move your feet without bobbing your head. Yes. Smooth and steady wins the race. Precisely.
[00:09:13] Unknown:
And if you are working with a handheld remember the microphone droop we mentioned earlier? Be mindful of that as you move around around the stage as well. Right. No drooping.
[00:09:21] Unknown:
Okay. So we're moving smoothly,
[00:09:24] Unknown:
maintaining a consistent distance, and staying aware of how the acoustics change in different areas of the stage. Yes. Anything else? This is pure gold. Here's a pro tip. Especially if you're prone to moving around, try placing a small piece of tape on the floor to mark your safe zone. Okay. This marks the spot where you know you're the ideal distance from the microphone for optimal sound. Oh. That way, even when you're moving around, you can always find your way back to that sweet spot. That's such a practical tip. I'm already picturing myself putting down that little piece of tape like a pro. I love it. It's all about setting yourself up for success. Right? It is. Knowing these sound check secrets is really empowering. It is.
[00:10:05] Unknown:
It's amazing how something so often overlooked can have such a huge impact on the success of our presentations.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Absolutely.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
To our listeners, we encourage you to take these tips to heart and experiment with what works best for you. Yes. Remember, owning your sound is about finding the microphone and the techniques that empower you to confidently share your message with the world. I love it. Until next time. Happy
[00:10:32] Martin Kloss:
presenting everyone. Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on Martin Kloss dot com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
You know how much we love to be prepared for those big presentations. Right? We'll get ready to take that preparation to a whole new level today. Okay. You poured your heart into your message. Right. But have you considered how microphone choice could make or break your impact?
[00:01:10] Unknown:
It's one of those things that people don't think about, but it's so important. Yeah. You can have the most stunning visuals and the best stage presence, but if the audience is struggling to hear you Right. It's all for nothing.
[00:01:22] Unknown:
Exactly. Yeah. And it's like what this book we're diving into today points out Okay. Nailing the place. Mhmm. The sound setup is just as crucial as the content itself. Yeah. So get ready because Right. We're about to unlock some insider secrets about microphones that even seasoned presenters might not know. Consider this your backstage pass to a world that most people never think about, but which dramatically impacts how your message is received. I love it. Yeah. Okay. So let's break down this microphone landscape. We've got four main players, handheld, lavalier, headset, and gooseneck.
It's about choosing the right tool for the job. Precisely. Each has its own personality and ideal use case. Let's start with the one everyone pictures, the classic handheld microphone. It just screams, I'm giving a speech. It does. And thankfully, these days, they're often wireless. No more tripping over cords. Yeah. That's good news. Right. True. But even with modern technology,
[00:02:21] Unknown:
handhelds have their quirks. Oh, I'm sure. For one, that reassuring weight in your hand can also be limiting. Interesting. Okay. Fewer gestures,
[00:02:29] Unknown:
less freedom to move. I see what you mean. Yeah. And isn't there also that thing where people unknowingly lower the mic as they speak? Yes. Microphone droop.
[00:02:39] Unknown:
You got it. I've totally done that, by the way. It's almost subconscious. They're so focused on the audience that the mic slowly starts drifting south. Totally. And then there's the reporter trick where they touch it to their chin for a sense of distance. Is that why some reporters always seem to be stroking
[00:02:59] Unknown:
unnatural. It does. Especially during a panel discussion when you're addressing different people. Right. Speaking of looking natural, those tiny lavalier microphones seem to be everywhere on TV. They're masters of discretion. They're
[00:03:08] Unknown:
microphones seem to be everywhere on TV. They're masters of discretion, practically invisible, especially on camera. I bet. News anchors swear by them, as do many studio setups. So what's the trade off with these discreet little mics? Because they're so small, placement is critical. Oh, okay. Too close to rustling fabric, and you've got unwanted noise competing with your voice. Oh, yeah. Turn your head too far, and suddenly, you're fading out on the audience. Right. Right. It's all about finding that sweet spot, and I imagine testing beforehand is crucial.
[00:03:40] Unknown:
It's so true. And here's a detail that often gets overlooked, those standard beige lavalier mics. They can be quite visible on darker skin tones Very true. Which is something that we need to be aware of. Yeah. Absolutely. Such an important point about inclusivity. Yeah. It reminds me of that speaker that we both admire. Uh-huh. She always requests a specific headset for that very reason. Speaking of headsets, that leads us to our next microphone type. They seem to be a favorite for stage presentations.
[00:04:08] Unknown:
And for good reason. Secure fit, good sound quality, hands free operation, and you can move your head without impacting the audio. So it sounds like the perfect microphone. Well, they do have some drawbacks. Okay. What's the catch with headsets? For one, they are more visible than lavaliers, especially on camera if you're using a pop filter. A pop filter? Yeah. What's that? You know that round screen some microphones have? That's a pop filter. Okay. It helps to soften those harsh PMB sounds that can sometimes blast through a microphone.
[00:04:38] Unknown:
So that's what that is. I always wondered. Uh-huh. So headsets are great for being hands free, but might not be ideal for presentations being filmed. Who else? Headsets also tend to pick up more
[00:04:48] Unknown:
mouth noises, sips of water, coughs, things like that. Right. Right. And, again, that issue of beige being the default color often comes up. Right. Not exactly inclusive. Right. Inclusivity matters.
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Now for our final contender, let's talk about gooseneck microphones. Okay. They always remind me of press conferences for some reason.
[00:05:09] Unknown:
They're the reliable stationary option often seen in controlled settings where you might have multiple speakers using the same microphone. Think panel discussions, board meetings, that sort of thing. That makes sense. So they wouldn't be ideal if you like to wander around the stage. Exactly.
[00:05:23] Unknown:
So summing up our boost neck mic.
[00:05:26] Unknown:
Pros and cons. They offer reliable sound, but in a fixed position. Okay. Fantastic for stationary setup, not so great for dynamic presentations where you're moving around and engaging the entire room. Good to know. Yeah. So we've covered the main microphone types, but it strikes me that knowing your mic is just the tip of the iceberg, isn't it? There's a whole other level of sound check strategy that goes beyond just making sure it's switched on right. Yeah. It's like we've unlocked this hidden level of presentation mastery Absolutely. Taking control of our sound. And the beauty is when you're not worrying about how you sound, you can focus on what truly matters,
[00:06:03] Unknown:
connecting with your audience and delivering a powerful message. It's like that feeling of stepping on stage, you've prepared thoroughly, and now you just get to enjoy the moment. I love that analogy.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
Preparation breeds confidence. And that confidence, that command of the situation translates directly by how your audience perceives you. Absolutely. So if we had to distill everything we've learned today about microphones into one key takeaway, what would it be? The best microphone for you isn't about the brand name or the price tag. Okay. It's the one that fades into the background and lets your voice, your message, and your passion take center stage.
[00:06:38] Unknown:
So well said. It's about choosing the right tool for the job and then mastering that tool so it enhances your presentation, not distracts from it. Exactly. It's about owning your sound. I I love that. Owning your sound. Okay. So let's talk sound check strategy. Okay. What should we be doing beyond the basic mic test? Spill the secrets.
[00:06:59] Unknown:
First off, don't just stand rooted to one spot. Okay. Walk the stage, talk, and listen to how your voice sounds at different points. Uh-huh. Rooms have their own acoustic personalities,
[00:07:10] Unknown:
and the sound can shift depending on where you are. Wow. I admit I hadn't considered that before. Yeah. It makes so much sense, though. It's like scoping out the best lighting for a selfie, but for your voice. Exactly. A good sound technician will adjust levels as you move, but you, as the speaker, need to be aware of those differences too. That's a great point. So knowing the acoustic landscape of the stage is crucial. It is. What else can we do during a sound check to really nail our sound? Practice any movements you'll be making during your presentation,
[00:07:40] Unknown:
stepping closer to the audience for key points. Right.
[00:07:43] Unknown:
Those movements can all impact the sound. Right. You don't wanna accidentally wander into a feedback dead zone at a crucial moment. Exactly.
[00:07:51] Unknown:
That's the worst. And speaking of crucial moments, you know those monitor speakers pointed towards you on stage? Yes. The ones that let you hear yourself. Yeah. I've definitely had experiences where the monitor was either deafening or practically nonexistent. It's surprising how often those get overlooked. Don't be afraid to ask for adjustments. Oh, really? Yes. Some people like them loud. Some prefer them softer. Okay. It's your presentation, your voice.
[00:08:15] Unknown:
You should be comfortable with how it sounds to you. That's so important. Confidence in how you sound translates to confidence in your message. It really does. Are there any other common sound check pitfalls we can avoid? One thing that often gets overlooked is microphone technique
[00:08:30] Unknown:
when you're moving on stage. Let's say you're using a handheld wireless mic. You begin your presentation center stage, then take a few steps to the right to direct the audience's attention to a slide. Okay. I'm picturing it. As you move, keep that microphone a consistent distance from your mouth. Okay. Many speakers, without realizing it, will move the mic away as they gesture or shift their body. Oh, yeah. This leads to fluctuations in volume Yeah. And can be very distracting for the audience. It's so true. Yeah.
[00:09:03] Unknown:
So maintaining that like those dance classes where they teach you to move your feet without bobbing your head. Yes. Smooth and steady wins the race. Precisely.
[00:09:13] Unknown:
And if you are working with a handheld remember the microphone droop we mentioned earlier? Be mindful of that as you move around around the stage as well. Right. No drooping.
[00:09:21] Unknown:
Okay. So we're moving smoothly,
[00:09:24] Unknown:
maintaining a consistent distance, and staying aware of how the acoustics change in different areas of the stage. Yes. Anything else? This is pure gold. Here's a pro tip. Especially if you're prone to moving around, try placing a small piece of tape on the floor to mark your safe zone. Okay. This marks the spot where you know you're the ideal distance from the microphone for optimal sound. Oh. That way, even when you're moving around, you can always find your way back to that sweet spot. That's such a practical tip. I'm already picturing myself putting down that little piece of tape like a pro. I love it. It's all about setting yourself up for success. Right? It is. Knowing these sound check secrets is really empowering. It is.
[00:10:05] Unknown:
It's amazing how something so often overlooked can have such a huge impact on the success of our presentations.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Absolutely.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
To our listeners, we encourage you to take these tips to heart and experiment with what works best for you. Yes. Remember, owning your sound is about finding the microphone and the techniques that empower you to confidently share your message with the world. I love it. Until next time. Happy
[00:10:32] Martin Kloss:
presenting everyone. Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on Martin Kloss dot com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
