Singing and public speaking?

Question

Have you ever noticed how public speakers tend to put the microphone below the mouth in a vertical position when talking and singers tend to put the mircrophone horizontal to their mouth with their arms outstretched.

Why is this?

Answer 1

Different types of microphone - singers usually use ones which only pick up sound from one direction (uni-directional) hence they have to sing into the microphone , whereas speakers usually use multi directional microphones which pick up sounds from around the vicinity.

Answer 2

The placement of the microphone is important when speaking at a lectern. Most public address systems have no equalizers-that is a device that allows various frequencies to be subdued or enhanced. Because of this a speaker's voice may tend to "boom" or "pop" on words containing "B"s or "P"s unless he/she keeps the microphone out of the way of the lips as these letters are expressed. The most logical position is lower down on the body with the microphone in an upright position. A singer on stage, however, has the advantage of graphic equalizers on the sound system to reduce or eliminate those annoying pops, rumbles, etc. Remember, that performer is trying to be heard over a stage band or orchestra that can be very loud indeed! The voice must be projected directly into the microphone so it receives the full range of the singers voice.
How's that?

Answer 3

Yes. I have even done it both ways. I think that singers know that this is the best way to be heard where as subconsciously speakers are apprehensive of over pronouncing p's etc and try to keep from doing so.

Answer 4

because public speakers often use notes and look down. singers tend to want to show their body more than their faces and quite often are miming anyway so they are posing

Answer 5

thats because public speakers are talking and singers are singing ..

seriously singers do it that way to stop distortion to the mic

Answer 6

Vocal projection!