As explained in Presentation Tip 12, the first step in online training is deciding on your level of ambition. What quality level do you need? What is your level of technical skill? How much time do you have?
Once you decide on your preferred quality level, you can decide what level of equipment you will need. We provided some advice on camera selection in Presentation Tip 12. Let’s consider microphone selection.
Which is more important for online presentations, video or audio?Most lawyers would say video is more important.
Dennis Kennedy knows better: Audio quality is more significant. The microphone in your typical desktop computer or laptop is usually pretty poor. Most computer purchasers prioritize things like processor speed, memory or display quality. It makes sense for them to cut corners on microphone quality.
Unfortunately, it’s harder to get good audio. Again, the Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast provides a good starting point for analysis:
Microphone built into your laptop or desktop. Use this only if high quality is not important to you.
Headset with built-in microphone. These can be better than a laptop or desktop. Exercise some care in your selection. Mighell likes the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC.
Lavalier mic. These are generally comparable in quality to headsets. which then again allows you not to have great microphone technique, but will still pick
Stand alone microphone. The Kennedy-Mighell Report uses a Shure 58. Many other high quality mics are available.
More in our next Presentation Tips post.