Why is this? One possible reason is that to ourself we sound as we always have done - our voice has not changed. So, we assume that others are also hearing us as they normally would. None the less you have most likely noticed that when you are in a zoom meeting some of your colleague’s sound crystal clear, while others are extremely muffled, and you strain hear them. Of course, to themselves they all sound fine. So, what’s the issue? Microphones!
You’ll notice that when you attend a Zoom meeting, one colleague is wearing big professional looking Bluetooth headphones, another simply is using their mobile phone earphones, another a lapel microphone…and some people are not using any additional microphones at all! What should you do?
Test How You Sound to Others on Zoom
How can you tell how you sound to others when using Zoom? You can simply record your own voice in Zoom and listen back to it. Yes I know we all hate listening to our own voice, but unless you have a friend the other end loyally telling you how you sound this is the only sure-fire way to know. It is super easy to do. Open Zoom and select New Meeting – join with Audio. Then press the Record button and start speaking / singing! Once you close the meeting Zoom will save the file for you to listen / watch back.
If you’re not sure that Zoom is picking up the correct microphone click the small arrow on the microphone icon at the bottom of Your Meeting screen in Zoom and find ‘select a microphone’ and check the correct microphone has been selected. You can also experiment with the audio settings within Zoom. Naturally the paid version of Zoom has more advanced audio settings available. Recording yourself is a great way to know whether you sound better with or without an additional microphone. Some laptops have particularly loud fans which can obscure your voice, if this is the case you’ll probably benefit from using an additional microphone. Again…. record yourself and listen, it’s the best way!
Your audience will certainly appreciate your going to all this effort! A clear voice is easy to listen to and will ensure that what you say will be natural and effective.
What Microphone Should I Use?
For a detailed explanation of different microphones available please see our video – How to Sound your Best on Zoom.
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Mobile Phone Earphones / Microphones:
Your mobile phone will probably have come along with a pair of earphones with a built in microphone. if you cannot see a microphone on your earphones, take a look at the earphone connector (the bit that plugs into your mobile phone). It will either have 2 or 3 sections. 3 Sections means that you have earphones and microphone, two sections mean earphones only. These simple earphones and microphones can be very effective when using zoom.
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A Lavaliere (lapel) Microphone:
These are the really handy microphones that you clip onto your shirt. At Computer Tutoring we often use lapel mics when delivering Live Online Training Courses. Having earphones in for a while can start to feel uncomfortable. Using a lapel / lavaliere mic gives you great sound as well as freedom of movement which will aid your naturalness. Afterall natural easy communication is what we are all aiming for.
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Bluetooth Headphones:
Lets face it, most headphones are designed with listening to music in mind. The sound quality can be absolutely amazing, like you are in that concert hall yourself. However, if they have a microphone built in, the quality may not be the same.
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Condenser Microphone:
A Condenser Microphone will provide a professional rich sound. Great for a narrator or DJ. Basically, if it is your voice that is in play only, this is the mic for you. However, if you need to be seen by your audience it may be tricky as it is quite large and may get in the way on your face.
Having Fun – Performing Music using Zoom
Since the beginning of lockdown many musicians have been performing live sessions on Zoom. Other creative music lovers have even organised concerts on Zoom with friends performing from all over the world - others of us simply want to show our friends how we are getting on learning the piano, or what our latest song sounds like.
To ensure you have the best sound for a performance always turn on the ‘enable original sound’ option on Zoom. This is found in Zoom audio settings, advanced. It will make a real difference!
Having Fun - Changing your Voice
We can change our background on Zoom, but what about our voice? (to find out how to have fun changing your appearance on Zoom watch ‘How to look my Best on Zoom’. …but did you know it is also possible to change your voice?
To change your voice on Zoom you will need to download and install a programme like Voicemod. Once installed, you can then select Voicemod as your microphone from within Zoom.
If you are organising a themed online party or simply want to have fun these voices are great. to listen to! For an example of some of the voices available please listen to this clip: 'How to Change your Voice'
Enjoy experimenting with how to sound your best on Zoom!