What do you do if you are suddenly given a handheld microphone right before you are about to speak in front of a large audience? You were expecting a wireless microphone or one with its own stand.
If you are like most people, you just deal with it. Specifically, you hold the mic solidly in one hand and then gesture with the other. That’s not awful, but the problem with holding a microphone is that it immobilizes not only your one hand but the arm it is attached to and even one whole side of your body. You become less visually expressive and therefore less interesting.
<p>But it doesn’t have to be that way. Comedian George Carlin is a master at using both of his hands, his arms and his body during a performance—even though he is holding a microphone in one hand. He does this several ways:</p>
<p>1.He doesn’t use all of his fingers to hold onto the mic. Instead, he only uses two and then uses the remaining three to move up and down in an expressive manner.</p>
<p>2.He constantly changes the direction and tilt of the microphone, thus allowing him to move his hands and arms.</p>
<p>3.His elbow is constantly moving up and down, even though it is attached to the hand that must hold the mic in a relatively fixed position in relation to his mouth.</p>
<p>4.Finally, he switches what hand holds the microphone from time to time in order to create more visual variety and to allow fuller range of motion.</p>
<p>Ideally, you do as I do and never go to any speaking opportunity without bringing your own wireless microphone. But if you do get stuck using a handheld, try to use the above mentioned techniques to prevent your body language from becoming stiff and uninteresting.</p>
Technorati Tags: speaking, presentation, marketing, media, Public Speaking, Speech, Entertainment.
Get the latest TJ Walker video tutorials at the Speaking Channel homepage, or add to your arsenal of speaking tips and tools at the Media Training Worldwide StoreBookmark to:
