How many of you know how to correctly hold a microphone? Most people haven't had the opportunity, so we put this post together just for you!
All of the District Remix DJs are also trained, professional MCs. However, when we hand over the microphone to those giving toasts, it's also important for us to share a couple tips to make sure anyone speaking sounds as good as possible. Teaching someone how to use a microphone correctly is huge; one minute of coaching helps enormously!
There are many different types of microphones. Most DJs use cardioid microphones, which exclude audio from the sides and behind the microphone to avoid feedback.
Above illustrates the typical cardioid microphone pattern (what direction the mic picks up sound).
The easiest tip we can tell people is to talk "into" the mic versus talking "at" it. The microphone should be relatively close to the mouth (usually a thumbs distance away).
This way, people giving toasts avoid holding the microphone down by their chest or waist, where the sound won't be picked up. If that doesn't click, we playfully recommend holding the microphone like you're rapping; it seems to do the trick!
The most important advice we can offer is to never stand next to, or in front of the DJs speakers. Occasionally, we experience a nervous 'toaster' walking around the room and end up right underneath of a speaker...then the microphone starts feeding back, creating a very unpleasant sound. If you are lucky enough to give a toast at a wedding, we recommend standing next to the bride and groom. This not only ensures you're seen and heard by everyone in attendance but also makes the photographer's job much easier with everyone in one place.
Your DJ will be able to adjust the gain and volume of the microphone being used for toasts, to make sure that your voice is the dominant one in the room. It shouldn't matter where you are, you should be heard.
Need additional tips on how to use a microphone? Check out the other video below.
Some people are nervous when they give a toast, as many have never spoken in front of 100+ people. We always ask how many people they know at the event; usually, they know a few. We recommend looking at and "speaking" to them, or focus on one person at each table during their toast. Once we introduce the person offering the toast, they should take a moment to let the applause and chatter die down before addressing the crowd, otherwise, the start of their speech can easily be missed. A great story regarding this was articulated best by Cal Fussman on Tim Ferriss' podcast (the story starts at 1:08:16 and goes until 1:14:41).
We hope this helps for any toast or public speaking engagements you have!