I’m sorry, what did you say?
Let’s talk about talking on the microphone. We can’t hear you! Most performers, when they talk on the microphone… introducing a song, talking about whether they’ve written songs or learnt songs… we can’t hear you.
Even the most experienced open mic performers usually can’t be heard.
Don’t expect us to turn you up either. This is because as soon as you start singing, it’s a completely different volume.
Real talk.
It appears most people really mis-judge their speaking volume. The mic isn’t magic. If you don’t give it a decent signal, it can’t amplify it. Even if you’ve got a professional gig with an actual sound guy, they don’t like riding the fader every time you start mumbling away.
I spoke to regular open mic performer, Alan Gill about this, because he has excellent mic-speaking technique. His background is acting and he also works with people who reluctantly need to make speeches. Alan had some great advice which he gave me permission to share. Simply put… the mic isn’t magic, so don’t talk to it. Speak to a person up the back of the room. Look at them and direct your words to them. You’ll need to use the same level of projection that you use when singing. Most of you recognise that a big breath before singing gets your voice to a level that the mic can amplify. Speaking seems to be quieter, so you need to compensate and project!
Speak clearly. A little slower. Six words at a time. Clear consonants.
Now that we can hear you. What are you actually saying?
Your role in the room is to provide atmosphere. Do people really want to be talked to right now?
We turn off the background music and the mic is yours. Is talking to the audience right now going to make them feel more or less comfortable?
Many open mic performers seem to have an idea in their head of what they’re going to say regardless of the audience, venue, time of night, noise in the room, or whether anyone cares. Don’t do that. Make a judgement call when you get up there.
Are people listening or looking at you? If not, just play some music. Most nights hosted by Perth Open Mic don’t have an attentive audience. Usually, we’re playing background music, while people enjoy meals, drinks, conversations. If you start pronouncing at volume and length about your plan for the 30 minutes, it’s kind of like walking up to each table and interrupting. Read the room.
Also, be really careful of rehearsed speeches. This is common amongst young performers. There’s a strong risk of sounding fake and rehearsed. In most cases, it’s not a concert situation. All you’re doing is ruining the flow of the night. As I mentioned, in most cases, we’re there to provide atmosphere while people enjoy their own company. It’s rare that people want to know anything about you before you start.
A legend of Perth’s music scene from the 80s to now once told me… As a general rule for any gig, play 3 songs before you address the audience. You don’t have to follow that religiously, but it’s a point worth making.
Relax. Be yourself. If you wish to speak, do so VERY clearly. You need to act like you’re comfortable up there, otherwise how are you going to make your audience feel comfortable?
