“Can you hear me OK if I shout?”

I have been at an event recently where there were microphones available for presenters in a large lecture theatre but many presenters would not use them. It’s something that I experience often and it is always frustrating and often upsetting. What I see is people who feel awkward about using a microphone, putting their awkwardness above inclusion and equity. So I would like to point out why microphones are so helpful for your audience and why speaking loudly is really not an acceptable alternative.

Microphone use in large spaces is important for 2 main reasons:

1. A microphone-amplified voice supports the use of hearing loops for those with hearing aids
2. A microphone-amplified voice is a much more reliable and higher quality sound which makes a huge difference for individuals with auditory processing difficulties or differences.

In both cases, the use of a microphone means that those with hearing or processing difficulties do not have to struggle against background noise and can process the auditory information much more easily.

So often I see speakers ask their audience ‘can you hear me OK if I speak loudly?’. This is such a horrible question because it forces those with difficulties to declare their disability or difference, and to stand out in a group where the majority of people will nod and agree that they don’t need the amplified voice. It can be really upsetting and embarrassing for those that do want the speaker to use a microphone. Such individuals are much more likely not to say anything and to struggle in silence. Similarly, audience members asked to use a microphone to ask a question often say ‘I don’t need that’, and it equally makes me cringe because the microphone is not about you, it is about supporting and including others.

So please, if you feel awkward using a microphone and dislike hearing your voice amplified back at you, have a thought for those who would really appreciate you thinking of them instead so that they can be included. Remember, it is not about the volume that you can generate, it is the quality and amplification of your voice that makes the difference.

To those who hate using microphones, these are my recommendations:

1. Take the next opportunity you have to practice using a microphone. Practice holding it and keeping it at the optimal distance from your mouth for an even and well amplified voice. Become familiar with how your voice sounds and what volume of speech works best and feels most comfortable for you.
2. When you are speaking at an event, take some time to ask about the microphone and practice using it before your presentation.
3. When you hear other speakers say ‘oh, I don’t think I need that’, gently encourage them to use it to support those using hearing loops – just that short statement is usually all that is needed to shift their perspective away from themselves onto the inclusion of others.
4. If you are holding an event, publish a statement about the use of microphones to all speakers and audience members and emphasise the needs of those with hearing or auditory processing needs as the rationale for the use of the microphone.

If there is not a microphone available in a large space then I have the following recommendations:

1. If you are a speaker – think about speaking evenly, clearly, and project your voice towards the audience. Do not shout, do not speak unnecessarily slowly, do not mutter any asides and keep your volume steady. Avoid looking away from the audience and towards a screen as your voice will be lost into the screen.
2. Listen and look out for things that generate background noise. Projectors and air conditioners are a key source of noise that most people do not notice, but those with hearing and auditory processing needs can often hear and cannot filter out. It is these ‘small’ sounds that can overwhelm what can be heard.
3. Structure what you are saying and communicate that structure and progress through by using visual aids (on screen, printed, online etc.) that connect to what you are saying and provide guidance for participants.
4. Provide a way for participants to ask follow-up questions in alternative methods. Tools such as Padlet can be a great way to collect feedback, questions, and ideas – including how to improve your delivery for maximum inclusion and equity.

I freely admit this issue is a personal frustration for me, but I also know that taking this approach makes a big difference to those with hearing and auditory processing differences. Not only that, the effective use of microphones in large spaces makes for a much improved experience for all. I have created the following infographic which I encourage you to share!