Correct way to speak into a lectern microphone

A microphone placed above or near a reflective surface picks up both direct and reflected signals from the sound source.

When sound reflects, it reaches the mic later and combines with direct sound, creating an uneven frequency response known as the ”comb filter effect,” resulting in an unnatural sound.

The figure above demonstrates an improper way to mic a person at a lectern. Placing the microphone too far away from the mouth causes reflected sound from the lectern’s surface to be picked up, leading to an audible comb-filter effect that sounds hollow or tonally coloured.

This figure demonstrates a superior method of mic placement for a person speaking at a lectern. The microphone should be positioned about 8 inches from the mouth to reduce the audible comb-filter effect caused by sound reflected from the lectern.