The symptoms include sweating, a dry mouth, a blank stare and a squeaky voice. Some people regard public speaking as a fearsome pursuit – hand them a microphone and it turns into a phobia.
If radio is something that you want to do as a career then Microphonebia is something that you are going to need to conquer very early on. Let’s have a look at some of the ways you can throw caution to the wind and get used to talking in front of other people.
Mirror Mirror
A lot of people worry about how they look when they talk into microphone. I’m not sure why this is but believe me it’s a thing! The best thing for you to do is to talk to yourself in front of the mirror. Grab a microphone (Disconnect it) or even a can of deodorant and start talking into it. This may sound weird but trust me it will help you for when you are sitting in the studio thinking you are talking to no one.
Voice Recorder
Is a free app you get on most smart phones these days! Every day take some time to record a few breaks into voice recorder and then play them back! One of the major things people are scared of these days is hearing the sound of their own voice. I want you to understand something – it doesn’t sound as bad as you think it does!
When I first started in radio I absolutely hated the sound of my own voice, it wasn’t until I kept listening back to my work I actually started to tolerate my own sound.
Try Stand Up Comedy
This is extreme measures but hey if you’re up for it then why not? One of the toughest gigs in the world I reckon is Stand Up Comedy. If you really are scared of talking into a microphone then this technique is sure to shock you back to reality. See in a radio studio you have the comfort of being behind the certain where no one can see you. On stage it’s completely different and you really open yourself up to instant feedback from the audience. I’m not saying hit a stage at the Comedy Club in Melbourne on a packed Saturday night in front of 400 people but most comedy establishments have Open Mic nights. Find one of those write a few jokes (Or steal them the for purpose of this exercise) and get up and have a go. If you can do that then you can pretty much do anything.
