Here are a handful of things you’ll need on your plan: Practice time in front of audience Writing time to hone your messages Networking time to build a list of places where you’re welcome to speak regularly Time to learn the nuts and bolts of your equipment such as wireless microphones, PA systems, laptops (and the display software such as PowerPoint), projectors, etc. MORE

With the tinnitus group I had wondered about my voice projection but, not surprisingly, they had an excellent PA system. Talks from June - September 2010 Boscombe and Southbourne Probus In June last year I spoke for the fifth time to Boscombe and Southbourne Probus, my previous visit having been in November 2007. MORE

He or she may rely on laptops, projectors, PA systems, and so on, all in an effort to enhance the ability to communicate. When making a speech or presentation, a typical speaker usually has a number of tools to help convey their message. The best speaking tools, however, can’t be found in electronic shops or purchased online. The greatest speaking tools are actually within the person speaking. MORE

The only PA system was in the amphitheater, so when the organizers wanted to start the program and move everyone to the amphitheater, they had to stand on a hillside, yelling and pointing. Yesterday I attended the world's biggest networking event. A "mega mixer," they called it. MORE

Have you ever seen someone speak into a handheld microphone and yet been unable to hear them clearly, you’ve probably been tempted to blame the PA system? The microphones used with PA systems for speakers and vocalists are normally classed as unidirectional. Why is handheld microphone technique so important for speakers? MORE

You can also hear yourself better and get more of a sense of what the audience is hearing when you use a microphone, because your voice is playing over a PA system. Download audio here. I'll be the first to admit that I take an almost macho pride in my ability to project my voice. I was born this way. Even when I wasn't trying, I could be heard talking a mile away. And yes, I got in trouble a lot in school for being too loud. MORE

A quality PA system will transform the impact of your video material, and lets you use music to greater effect. Separate bass subs (professional ones, not the ones that came with your $200 surround sound system) take it to the next level. Last post we spoke of how two revolutions have overlapped to lower the quality of picture and sound reproduction in every area of our lives. MORE

You can also hear yourself better and get more of a sense of what the audience is hearing when you use a microphone, because your voice is playing over a PA system. Download audio here. I'll be the first to admit that I take an almost macho pride in my ability to project my voice. I was born this way. Even when I wasn't trying, I could be heard talking a mile away. And yes, I got in trouble a lot in school for being too loud. MORE

There was a lovely moment when the gentleman who gave me a lift back packed up the club's PA system and tried to hand it to me at the station as he thought it was mine! Review: Southbourne Literary Society meeting, Bournemouth, October 2012. On 17 October I was asked to go along to a meeting of Southbourne Literary Society in Bournemouth. MORE

Most of the time the pausing is done so the sound from the PA system can settle and your next words are clearer. MORE