The way you hold the microphone can have a profound impact on you and the sound of your voice when you are on stage. It takes some time to get used to singing with the microphone, but after familiarizing yourself with the object and its sound and with a little practice, you will immediately feel at ease.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting used to Holding a Microphone
Step 1. Practice with some similar items
While you won't always have access to a microphone when rehearsing alone, you will still get used to singing with an object in your hand.
- While you sing, you can use a hairbrush or a bottle of water to simulate the sensation of holding a microphone.
- Microphones are quite heavy, so use an object that has some weight. For example, if you decide to use a bottle of water, choose a full one rather than an empty one.
Step 2. Keep it at a 45 degree angle
The rounded end must be close to your mouth.
- Grasp it firmly with all fingers. If you wish, you can hold it with both hands, or alternate between one and the other. The grip should be firm, but not too firm.
- Do not grab the head of the microphone, otherwise you will risk muffling the sound. The hand should be tight around the middle.
Step 3. Keep the elbow of the arm holding the microphone closed close to your body
It will help you hold the microphone steady and produce stable sound.
However, do not squeeze your arm to the chest to the point that it blocks the flow of air or the expansion of the rib cage while you sing
Step 4. Use a microphone stand
If you don't feel comfortable holding it, you can ask to use a rod. This way your arms will remain free and you can relax.
In some situations - for example in a recording studio - the microphone will probably always be on the boom, so you won't have to worry about holding it in your hand
Part 2 of 2: Singing into the Microphone
Step 1. Place it near your mouth
Vocal microphones are designed to be used very closely. However, it is best not to touch them with your lips.
- Ideally, your mouth should be 2 to 5 to 10 cm away from the center, or axis, of the microphone head.
- If you use a pole, make sure it is raised enough so that the microphone head is level with your mouth when you are standing. The tip of your head should be exactly in front of your lower lip. It is preferable not to have to raise or lower your chin to sing into the microphone.
Step 2. Keep your head still
The mouth must remain towards the center of the microphone; if you move it too much, the sound may change.
- When you move your head during a performance, be sure to move the microphone in the same way.
- Alternatively, try to keep your head still above the device.
Step 3. Maintain good posture
When we sing, posture is an integral part of the sound, so it is important to make sure that the position of the microphone allows us to maintain a correct one.
- You should keep your back and neck straight, without feeling tension.
- It is preferable not to have to arch over the microphone, but also not to have to lift the chin to reach it.
Step 4. Try it
Whether it is a recording or a performance, before starting it is best to test it and become familiar with it.
- Learn how to turn it on. It may sound trivial, but make sure you are familiar with the basic operation of the specific device in question.
- As you sound-check, don't just say a couple of words, but sing a part of the song, trying to try out a range of different notes and levels. The goal is for the engineer to adjust the microphone based on your voice and tone, rather than you having to adapt to the device.
- Make sure you can hear your voice, whether you're listening to the sound from the speakers or have headphones on. If you don't hear it, ask the engineer to fix the various devices.
- Make sure the sound is clear and pay attention to a possible returning echo - it can be a sign that some sound levels need to be adjusted.
Step 5. Do not compensate with either higher or lower volume
The ideal is to sing at a natural level, not too soft, but not too loud.
- Resist the temptation to change the distance to the microphone when singing at a different volume and pitch.
- You should sing at a normal volume and the microphone should be adapted accordingly.
- Don't think you have to hold back from performing dramatic crescendo just because you're singing into the microphone.
- During the sound check, make sure you sing at the level you intend to perform during the performance.
