Microphone Mastery
(Stage Presence And Presentation)
Introduction And Program Description
As communicators and representatives of your company or organisation, all staff
members who handle the microphone must present themselves in a professional,
credible and engaging manner. Poor microphone presentations linger and affect
the entire mood of the audience, needing recovery time before they will trust to
give back their full attention and commitment. Excellent microphone
presentations, on the other hand, make an impact. People tune in, listen and get
excited as you command their interest and attention. You introduce, induce and
seduce the audience. Whether your role is to impart information, move people
from one place to another, get people involved in activities, answer questions
or give an introduction, you are the one to set up the atmosphere, lead the way
and build anticipation with your microphone mastery.
This training program provides skills and tools which are essential to proper
preparation and utilization of the microphone. It will also focus on activating
your personal and professional presence to be confident, convincing and dynamic
when presenting. The microphone is your friend. It is a device which can
enhance your goals for the occasion. The microphone is the centerpiece of an
entire process, beginning with your entrance into space where the audience is
gathered. The moment you are seen by the public, whether "the public" is one
person or a massive group, your performance begins. It continues as you walk to
the stage, speak to the audience and walk off the stage. Through this entire
process, you are a representative of your company. Your alignment with the
culture is critical; that is, your appearance requires your full "presence," an
awareness of your posture, body movement, body attitude, facial expression, eye
contact, gesture, dress and vocal variety. Knowing how to deal with problems as
they arise, such as a power failure, faulty equipment, an injury, a heckler,
shows the difference between an amateur and a professional. Learning how to
project a friendly and thankful attitude rather than an aloof or self-important
one can make an enormous difference in the experience of an audience.
The program is highly interactive with two video recordings of each participant
as a critical component, feedback and analysis of the presentations, informative
lectures, ample time for discussion of issues and for hands-on practice through
the videos and role-plays as well as through movement, breathing and vocal
exercises. You will learn to use the microphone as the spice to flavor your
presentation with confidence, competence and clarity, and with vocal and visual
impact to effectively influence and move your audience.
Learning Objectives
- Become familiar with microphone technique
- Use the microphone to your vocal advantage
- Heighten your attention and awareness of your self-image and self-presentation
- Understand your role as a speaker aligned with your company or organisation
- Point out habits and patterns which help or hinder your presentation
- Enhance your ability to use your body language to your advantage
- Create a clear, focused and concise objective for your presentation
- Know how to analyze, adapt to and respect your audience
- Increase your ability to communicate more effectively
- Activate your personal presence and power for more impactful microphone presentations
- Reduce nervousness and anxiety - increase confidence to achieve your goals
Methodology
- Lecture
- Discussion
- Writing and reflection
- Individual, partner and group movement, breathing and vocal exercises
- Role plays
- Hands-on microphone practice
- Video recordings and feedback analysis
- Direct feedback on presentation skills and effectiveness and impact
- Power point
- Active participation throughout
Equipment
Company must provide training equipment including microphones and sound system, computer and LCD projector, video camera and playback monitor, videotapes, audio CD player (for music), flipchart and markers, and reproduction of handout material for each participant.
Outline Of The Program
- 9:00-10:30
Habits, Mannerisms and Self-Presentation
Introductions
Body awareness and self presentation
Habits and their power
Partner exercise to observe mannerisms
Microphone basics: using and handling
Types of microphone presentations
Video recording #1: Microphone introduction and welcome speech- 10:30-10:45
- Tea Break
- 10:45-12:30
Enhancing Microphone Presence with Body Language and Vocal Variety
The five V's of impactful microphone presentations
Playback analysis #1
Visual communication: using body language effectively
Vocal qualities and expression
Using the microphone to your vocal advantage- 12:30-1:30
- Lunch
- 1:30-3:15
Preparation, Content and Delivery
Verbal: content and objectives
The five C's for impactful microphone presentations
Audience profile and analysis
Planning vs. spontaneity
Dealing with anxiety and stage fright
Rehearsal needs and visualization
Alignment with values and organizational culture
Sound check and space arrangement
Warm-up exercises and performance rituals
Beginnings and endings; entrances and exits
Connecting with the audience - developing rapport
Video recording #2: Microphone presentation- 3:15-3:30
- Tea Break
- 3:30-5:00
Personal Presence and Power through Microphone Mastery
Playback analysis #2
Fine-tuning your personal approach
Finding your natural style
Troubleshooting
Wrap-up