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Last month we discussed our stage presence and we want to continue with that same topic but we want to cover microphone techniques. It is amazing how many people do not know how to use a microphone properly. So we hope we can share some information that will help.

Let’s start with how to hold the mic correctly. Hold it with a light grip. Avoid a death grip on it. If you are nervous it will show more if you grip it very tightly. The more relaxed you can hold it the less shaking you will have in your hands. The fingers should be slightly spread apart and use your finger tips and balance the mic on your thumb while holding the top of the mic with your finger tips. Avoid cupping the hand over the head of the mic. This can cause feedback and we all know what that does to everyone’s ears.

The distance and the direction of the mic from the mouth are also important. Keep the mic 2 to 3 inches from the mouth while holing it at mouth level and the end of it aimed at the mouth. Microphones are made to pick up the sound from the end of it and not from the side. Try speaking into the side of one and then try it from the end and hear the difference it makes in the sound. Bass proximity effect; the closer you are to the mic, the more sensitive it becomes to bass tones. Remember bass singers; try to keep it close when going for those low notes.

What about the mic stands? Please don’t ever perform with the mic in your hand and leave the mic stand in front of you while you perform. This is very distracting; always move the mic stand back behind you with your empty hand before starting your song. You also want to make sure you do not sing behind a mic stand with another mic still on it. This can also make feedback. Use the mic stand to let you arms relax or while someone else is being featured on a song and you are mostly doing back singing. Singing with a mic stand can also help when you are nervous but try not to use it for more than a song or two.

The mic cord can be an interesting piece of equipment. I am always amazed at the things people can fine to do with a mic cord when they sing. Don’t hold the cord in loops in your hand or snap it like a whip while singing. The best thing to do is forget that it is there. The only time you need to touch the cord is to move it out of your way when you are moving around on stage. That is so you do not trip over it or step on the cord. Otherwise, it is there only so the sound can get from the microphone to the sound board.

You can also control your volume by moving the mic out and down if you have a very strong or high note to hit and you know that the sound engineer can’t control it for you. Generally, the mic should be held a consistent distance from the mouth forcing the sound operator to adjust the volume. But also remember that if your mic drops down, your vocal presence will drop with it. So only use this technique if you are going to be very loud on a note and you need to adjust the volume.

And the last thing I want to bring to your attention is NEVER point a mic at a monitor speaker or house speaker. Feedback can destroy a speaker, your performance, and the Holy Spirit at work.

I have had many of you to contact me about vocal instruction and I am really looking forward to getting to work with of you. Again, if you are going to be in Nashville, TN sometime or at NQC this year I would love to meet you and to help you.

Contact me at getseminars@hotmail.com for information and remember to keep singing His praises!

Marti Ledford

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