Can Your Audience Hear You?

“…penis,” I said, finishing my story for the umpteenth time.

“I still didn’t hear the punchline,” my friend said.

“Sorry…I feel bad you’ve had to listen to me say ‘penis’ eleven times in this conversation.”

I had been trying to tell my friend a funny story about when I belonged to a peer supervision group years ago when my hypnosis clinic was open.

They were a group of lady psychologists. They’d get together once every couple of weeks and discuss cases to get feedback, advice, etc. The patients’ names were confidential and never discussed, only the cases themselves.

I was invited to join because of my skills as a hypnotist. They thought I could bring a fresh perspective to the group.

Unfortunately, after about six meetings, the group devolved into a complaint session about each of their love lives.

After one particularly heated discussion regarding one of the counselor’s ex-boyfriends, an admittedly moronic-sounding guy, they turned to me.

“So what do YOU think, Cris?” one asked me.

I thought for a moment and finally said, “I’m sorry I have a penis.”

That was the end of the story I’d kept trying to tell my friend.

But because I was driving bad cell phone reception caused her to only hear “penis” as I tried to finish the story.

Right now, dear reader, you may be wondering how I’m going to pivot THAT story into something relevant for performers.

Simple. Let’s talk about sound!

Bring a good quality mic and sound system with you to every gig, even very small events.

As my friend B.S. says, bringing a sound system to even the smallest shows demonstrates you care enough to help those with hearing difficulties hear a little better. It’s a lovely sentiment.

Since I’m typically in front of 400-500 kids at a time, I have to have good-quality sound. And it has to set up fast.

For the last 15+ years, I’ve been using the Bose L1, a portable yet powerful sound system that sets up in seconds.

For my mic, I use a Shure headset mic. This allows me to perform hands-free.

I have seen other performers use a handheld mic. Even though they are magicians, handheld mics allow them to let a volunteer’s response be heard by the audience.

That too is a great technique.

I prefer a headset so I can just do my show while talking to the audience. It allows me to use my preferred, conversational style of performing.

I get so comfortable with the mic on that I sometimes forget I’m wearing it.

Sometimes a school will book me for two shows, one before lunch and one after. After the first show, I will reset my props for the next group and head to my SUV for lunch.

I’ve lost count of how many times I get to my car and realize I’m still wearing the mic.

Regardless of what kind of mic and sound system you use, invest in a good one.

I’ve spoken to some performers who always use the client’s mic and sound system. And they swear they have no issues. Schools, corporate events, whatever – they claim everything goes great.

Me? I guess I have bad luck.

I used to fly for a lot of gigs. In those cases, I was forced to use their system.

In most cases, it was a disaster.

The system sounded terrible. Or the person with the key to open the sound booth was out that day. Whatever.

I guarantee you, that if you invest in your own sound system and mic, you’ll become a better performer.

There is a certain comfort level I’ve discovered when hearing my voice coming out of my own system that I was familiar with.

Compare that to the times I’ve used the venue’s system in a hotel ballroom for a high-dollar gig.

Murphy’s Law dictates that the hotel’s sound system sounds awful like sound is coming out of a tin can.

And the client doesn’t care whose fault it is. They only know the audience is tuning out the very expensive entertainer because they sound terrible.

Look at a quality sound system and mic as an investment in your business.

Yes, it may not be as fun as the latest effect or illusion. But a quality sound system puts you at a level above everyone else.

And I know I have folks reading this newsletter who get along just fine using the venue’s system. I think that’s great their luck has held out.

But I still highly recommend packing your own system when you drive to a gig. After all, the house system at the venue could go down.

Next thing you know, you’re shouting through your show. And if you have not had voice training, you could burn out your voice fast.

Do yourself a favor. Get your own system. It will give you peace of mind.

Have a great week!

--Cris

P.S. By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 
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Need help in multiple areas? I can help you with your website, direct mail, email, or other marketing strategies. I also offer consulting services for crafting magic routines or even entire shows. Want to find out more? Shoot me an email at cris@theprofessionalmagicianclubpro.com.

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