My latest article for Hearing Tracker discusses the reasons to use a microphone in all meetings. Do you agree?
We gathered in a medium-sized classroom for the wrap-up session of my two-day board meeting at my alma mater. Most sessions were in larger spaces, with presenters using a lectern at the front of a well-miked room. The event organizers always saved me a seat at the front with good sight-lines to the speakers so I could lipread as needed. I really appreciated their assistance and was able to hear almost everything. Given the high level of concentration needed, my hearing loss exhaustion usually kicked in by the end of the day, but it was worth it.
The wrap-up session was different — more casual, smaller, and in a different type of space — a classroom rather than a typical lecture hall. The leaders used a microphone, but a second mic was not provided for questions or comments from the audience. This made it much harder to follow the discussion.
Even strong leaders overlook top-notch communication in certain settings. That is why it is critical to educate people about the importance of using a microphone for all meetings, even when the gathering seems too small or too casual for the formality and fuss of a mic. Inclusion should never be sacrificed for the sake of ease.
For a captioned video and more reasons to use a microphone, continue reading on Hearing Tracker.
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I absolutely agree Shari. Even in a small room, if the person asking the question is not facing the audience, something can get lost, especially if the person is soft spoken. The other thing a leader can do is repeat the question for everyone.
Yes, good suggestion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I always wish the speaker would repeat the question. Very few do and it makes it quite difficult to follow. My DH many times will relay the question.
Shari, great article.
I absolutely agree. My least favorite words are ” I don’t need a Mic.”
I agree! Thanks for your comment.
There is a Roger Pen functioning similarly as T-coil.
It acts as a Directional Microphone.
What is your take on this?
Roger pens can work great in small meetings or if the primary speaker wears it. For larger meetings they are probably less helpful. Thanks for adding to the dialogue.
I have difficulty even with microphone use. The voice is louder but not always clear. Clarity is my main problem in meetings and theaters. What is available to assist clarity?
I find captions (via a speech-to-text app) are the most helpful. Thanks for your question.