© 2021 Mark Prasek
Writing often leads to speaking, and nowadays that means online. Just as you want your writing to be topnotch, you’ll want your speaking engagements to reflect excellence. What many don’t realize is that the equipment we use makes a difference in the quality of online podcasts, interviews, and presentations. While budget primarily dictates what we buy, I’ve learned that buying inexpensive equipment can end up costing me in the long run. My motto is “Buy nice or buy twice!”
So let’s look at some of the equipment you’ll need.
Microphone
The single most important investment you can make is a good microphone. Any mic is better than the built-in mics found in laptops and webcams, but quality counts.
Blue Yeti is hands down the best brand I’ve used. The Yeti interfaces with your computer, and eliminates environmental noise. It features a TRS earphone connection with a volume control and can be set to FOUR different polarization patterns. Cardioid is what you want. That means it picks up sound from in front of the mic and rejects sound from the rear of the mic. This Yeti is not the latest but has all the features most speakers should need.
The only disadvantage of the Yeti is that it’s TOO good! It ships with a standard metal desk stand, which is an excellent conductor of sounds like typing on the keyboard or even placing your hands on the desk. You won’t hear it, but the audience will think it’s thundering! A shock mount accessory solves this, taking the already steep price even higher. When budget allows, this is the boom arm I recommend after going through two cheaper models.
Earbuds
Here’s where you can save some money. I buy inexpensive earbuds from Walmart. They plug into the Yeti, routing the sound to the mic as a “speaker.” This arrangement prevents your built-in speakers from blaring out the voice of others on the distant end that is then picked up by the microphone, which is in turn broadcast back out to the audience creating feedback. The earbud topology prevents this since they do not produce enough sound to be picked up by the microphone. Be sure you choose TRS, not TRRS. Here is one option found online.
Note: Don’t fall for any wireless product. They always have a latency. In other words, the movement of lips and the sound of the voice will not be in synch. That will distract you when you’re trying to speak.
Combo
If you’re using a cellphone to broadcast, the combination earbuds with mic (found at Wal-Mart) work quite well for about $15. Be sure to guard against allowing the mic (the little “bubble” on one of the earbud wires) from dragging across your clothing or hair. You won’t notice it, but your audience will hear a scratching noise that is very annoying.
I could say much more, but this will start you on the road to speaking with excellence. Just remember: Buy nice or buy twice!
NOTE: Neither Mark Prasek nor The Write Life is affiliated with any of the products listed.
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“Coach” Mark Prasek‘s broadcast and media background goes back to 1978 when he worked part time at his hometown AM radio station. A couple years later, he landed a job as a DJ with a 100,000-watt FM station in Tallahassee, Florida. His responsibilities included steering the flagship station for the FSU Seminole Sports Network, engineering and broadcasting the live feed for 140 affiliate stations. In addition to owning his own DJ business, Mark has been involved in media production for national political campaigns including Judge Roy Moore’s in Alabama. Today, he dedicates his talent to helping others build their brands on social media, podcasts, book trailers, etc. through PJNET.TV.