“I Don’t Need a Mic” (Hint: Yes, You Do)

Ever been in a large gathering, maybe a company icebreaker or town hall meeting, when a speaker steps to the front and asks, “I don’t need a mic, do I? You can hear me, right?” 

There’s a big problem with that.

Those who hear the question shout “no,” while those who can’t hear the speaker don’t respond. Inevitably, the speaker carries on without a microphone, and statistically about 15% of those being addressed don’t hear what’s being said.

Who’s excluded, and why that matters

Those who are hard-of-hearing aren’t just the elderly, although anyone fortunate enough to live past 60 can expect some level of hearing loss due to aging. The reality is nearly 30 million Americans, twice as many men as women, would benefit from hearing aids. Every year thousands of children are born with hearing loss, while thousands more adults lose some level of hearing due to noise in the workplace.

Of course, even people with good hearing might miss what’s being said if they’re stuck in the back of the crowd.

So, speaking without a microphone in a large or crowded space means ensuring a cross-section of the audience won’t hear everything.

Why does that matter?

Declining the microphone disrupts audience rapport

Ask any teacher — do students learn or stay engaged if they don’t hear what’s going on? Same with adults: They check out. For a speaker hoping to inspire listeners or move them to action, that’s bad news.

For speakers trying to create a dialogue, it’s important to hear all perspectives. But if 15% of the audience isn’t confident they’re hearing everything being said, they’re unlikely to speak up — and that valuable perspective is lost.

Don’t ask if you need the mic; it’s counterproductive. And worse, it puts the spotlight on those who may struggle to hear.  

What to do instead

Ask that microphones be standard equipment at large gatherings. If you’re the speaker? Get to the venue early to make sure there’s a mic and you’re comfortable using it. If there’s a delay, thank listeners for their patience so that everyone can hear what’s being said.

Be sure to scan the back rows. Are they frowning and cupping their ears, or making eye contact and nodding? Then there’s no need to ask.

Amy Cloud is a media relations and PR professional with 20 years’ experience in healthcare, higher education, municipal government and emergency management. She is a FEMA-trained crisis communicator and certified Advanced Public Information Officer (APIO). Over her career she has been a national award-winning magazine writer and editor, TV reporter and newsroom supervisor, and EMMY-nominated producer. Using her master’s degree in Adult Education, Amy has prepared trainings ranging from engaging the media and effective interviews to creating public service ambassadors. She is an Emergency Management PIO and a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.  

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