Rule 1: Never Point the Mic at the Speaker
Feedback happens when the speaker's output re-enters the microphone and loops. Always position the person speaking behind or beside the speaker — never directly in front of it. The golden rule: the speaker points at the crowd, the person holds the mic pointing away from the speaker.
Rule 2: Don't Cup the Microphone Grille
Many people instinctively wrap their hand around the metal grille of the mic (called "cupping"). This blocks the directional vents that prevent feedback, turning a directional mic into an omnidirectional one. Always hold the mic by the handle — keep the grille clear.
Rule 3: Keep the Mic Close to Your Mouth
If the speaker holds the mic at waist level, the sound engineer has to crank the gain very high to compensate — which instantly causes feedback. Instruct all speakers to hold the mic 5–8cm (2–3 inches) from their chin throughout their speech.
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