Basic Microphone Usage

How to use microphones (pay special attention to (3) and (12)!!!! :

1. NEVER NEVER NEVER point your microphone at a speaker. Not even accidentally. Don't drop your hands so the mic points at the on-stage speakers. Don't walk in front of a loudspeaker while holding a mic. The feedback will be piercing and can damage the system (as well as the audience's hearing)!
2. If you are afraid of feedback, hold the mic closer to your face. The further away you hold it, the more the sound person has to raise the sensitivity of the mic (making feedback more likely).
3. Don't cup the head of the mic. Cupping causes feedback, for technical reasons -- just don't do it.
4. It is okay to hear yourself; it means others can hear you. That's what the mic is for. Let the sound engineer make any necessary volume adjustments.
5. Now that you are hearing yourself, you can adjust your pitch and pronunciation to sound better through the sound system.
6. If you're singing, you will hear your own pitch better through the system than through the bones of your head. This will eliminate any delusions you have about your pitch, but it's a good thing. Imagine being off-pitch and NOT knowing it! Using the monitors is a skill you will pick up quickly.
7. Point the mic at your tonsils. Hold the microphone like it's a glass of water and you are about to take a sip.
8. For the sake of those who read lips, keep the mic just below your lower lip.
9. If the mic is on a stand, try to follow the same advice. Either stand close to the mic or pull it closer to you, keep your mouth visible, listen, and adjust.
10. Don't put your mouth on the mic, nor the mic in your mouth. Saliva on mics was always gross even before COVID.
11. If you're going to shout, put a bit of distance between you and the mic. You want the system to have the same sound level. Shouting directly into the mic will cause a lot of distortion and noise, and nobody likes that. Don't worry, you'll sound like you're shouting even if it isn't actually louder.
12. Don't blow into the mic (not with mouth or nose). Saliva can rust or damage the sensitive inner workings. It won't instantly fail the first time someone does it, but it will need replacement sooner if people blow in it.
13. Don't tap the mic. The impact can damage the internal workings of the mic. It won't fail immediately, but it will eventually need replacement sooner.