Re: [Callers] Wireless Microphone

I used a wireless headset mike for a short time. I found it cumbersome and limiting. In addition to losing the ability to control my own volume by moving away from the mike I don't do a lot of floor demonstration so it was really only a "hands free" device I used on stage. I like shifting to an off-mike mode while on the floor. It is an attention-getting technique when the caller steps down and speaks without amplification. I know lots of folks on this list do gigs with much more teaching and demonstrating than I do when calling at open public contra dances. The wireless route might be good for that kind of event. But I would caution the wireless mike users to consider the effects on dancers when they look up on stage and see the caller missing. It can be unnerving to hear a headless voice speaking over the PA system. (This is why they invented follow-spots for theater performances. The audience always knows where to look.) I like to keep the dancers in control and to never make them feel foolish...even for a moment. I suggest that head-mike callers lead the audience with a prompt whenever they step down from the stage as in: "Ladies and Gentlemen: Please direct your attention to the center of the hall," as the caller steps down. This will avoid the feeling that someone with a live mike is "stalking" around the hall floor. Keeping the audience oriented will help them to feel relaxed and confident. The worst offense of a wireless mike user is to walk down on the floor, without prompting, and to begin giving instructions to a single dancer or a small group that is confused. The presence of the caller--speaking to them over the PA system--can make newcomers very uncomfortable and distracted, and undermine any assistance the caller is attempting to offer. When on-mike, the caller should always speak only to the entire hall. Directed comments should always be off-mike. -Greg McKenzie ************* On Sun, Jul 17, 2011 at 2:03 AM, Colin Hume <colin(a)colinhume.com> wrote: