Developing the Speaker Within You: How Do We Sound?

Regardless of where we are speaking, whether in a formal conference environment replete with sound systems, or at an informal, impromptu gathering reliant on our voice alone, the object is the same: to communicate clearly and positively.

Because it’s equally important for our words to sound right as it is to use the right words, we need to carefully deliver those words to ensure we actually are heard.

The logic is simple: Quality content or not, if our audience can’t hear us properly because of sound volume, quality or distracting sounds we have lost them.

Of course, if we are boring, the plot is completely lost but that is another matter.

These principles apply regardless of whether we are using a microphone or not.

Sometimes we will be speaking without any amplification, reliant totally on our natural voice.

In that case, experience will teach us how to project our voice adequately to the extremities of the audience, whether inside or in an open air environment. Sometimes some good voice training will be of great benefit in this regard, and we shouldn’t be afraid to get this if experiencing any difficulties in reaching our audiences.

As always, it is important to arrive early when speaking be sure that audio systems are working and that our on stage and off stage arrangements are in place.

If a sound system is being used, whether or not an audio operator is present, it is always good to understand just how sensitive the mike is: How close do we need to keep it from our mouth? It is not good to have a speaker that wanders from the mike and can’t be heard.

Things to sort out are:

• Type of microphone (if any), fixed, hand-held or lapel.
• Most of us have a preference, and given some prior notice we can often arrange for our preference to be available on the day.
• If a hand-held mike is being used, who hands it to us, and who do we hand it to once finished.
• Is it to the next speaker, or the MC?
• A little bit of forward planning goes a long way towards making the event run much smoother.
• If a lapel mike is used, do we need to hand it on to the next speaker once finished, and if so, where will this take place?
• It is important not to be un-wiring microphones and so forth on stage.
• If it is a panel session we are engaged in, where are we sitting and what are the protocols on the day for mikes.
• If they are fixed, then not much of a problem, but if using hand held’s then it’s good to know how the organizer wants to run the panel.

Experience is a good friend in these matters, but a little help from someone who has already made most of the mistakes is a big help.

Sound stages are expensive to build and maintain.

Mack Sennett Studios is a new sound stage complex in Los Angeles that offers the best of both worlds, high quality recording studios with state-of-the-art equipment at an affordable price.

The studio’s name comes from Mack Sennett who was one of the first filmmakers to use it for his silent movies back in 1910. The space has been completely remodeled to offer all modern amenities while still maintaining its classic charm. It also features two large outdoor terraces which can be used for shooting or as additional room space during events like concerts or weddings (for example).

Mack Sennett Studios
1215 Bates Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 660-8466
https://macksennettstudios.net