Talking over mic at weddings

[JAMdisco]

OK, this won't apply to everyone but at wedding receptions, how much do you talk over the mic?

I don't mean announcing buffet, first dance, requests etc.

[Penfold42]

For me, It depends on the crowd.....and feedback from them.
I don't think this just applies to weddings.....I judge every function by it.

It also depends how much contact with the client I have had.

[rob1963]

OK, this won't apply to everyone but at wedding receptions, how much do you talk over the mic?

I don't mean announcing buffet, first dance, requests etc.

In my case, not too much...as things are very different to 20 years ago (when I NEVER played more than 2 records without giving some waffle!).

Excluding the announcements you referred to, I'd say I probably talk a couple of times an hour on average...although this will obviously vary from one function to the next.

I like to be aware of what's going on & to make (hopefully amusing) comments on things which are happening...such as an empty dancefloor, a cute little kid who's dancing like there's no tomorrow etc.

[Dragonfly]

as my right honorable friend before stated it totally depends on the crowd , i like to put a bit of my personality into a show , but not if its not warranted or needed . i don't just like the sound of my own voice.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I don't speak when its not needed as i feel i am there to DJ and provide music and not to be an MC or commentator.

But of course this varies from gig to gig.

[Vectis]

I get a steer from the B&G when we discuss "The Cheese Factor" at our pre-event meetings.

Some WANT lots of chatter. Admittedly, most don't. But then they don't want a big flashing jukebox either.

ASK, and then modify the default behaviour once you meet the crowd.

[CRAZY K]

OK, this won't apply to everyone but at wedding receptions, how much do you talk over the mic?

I don't mean announcing buffet, first dance, requests etc.

When its a Disco "session" not as much as I used to --like Rob says :D

Probably if its a request or a change of tempo or style "genre" or whatever its called now.

Changing to Rock n Roll or something like that.

In other words "RELEVANT" its pointless announcing tunes unless theres a reason.

I have however been known to say at many Weddings and Parties AFTER a particularly successful tune---as requested by the B and G for you dancers tonight.

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Achtung:

Please do not use the following phrase:

"I let the music do the talking"

[Corabar Steve]

Achtung:

Please do not use the following phrase:

"I let the music do the talking"


23. All communication should be in the English language

:sj: :sj: :sj:

[JAMdisco]

I usually let the music do the talking :p :D

I've had some clients asking me (at the pre-event meeting) how much I talk as they don't want a 'Peter Kay' style DJ at the wedding.
I always ensure them that I am definately NOT one of these and usually have a bit of a laugh about it. :D

I do as most have mentioned, a change of genre or special request usually gets a quick mention, along with occasional safety announcements such as no drinks on the dancefloor or my equipment (although these are usually quickly covered before the first dance as I usually have everyones attention then) and then it's usually a little gesture at the drink and a shake of the head :)

[Ryu]

I, being a bit of a beginner, keep talking to a minimu unless appropriate, but the old man is, even though I say it myself, awesome on the Mic...Not cheesy or rambling, just has a habit of dropping in a few words usually towards the end of the night, and its almost always slightly shmaltzy and heartwarming type stuff...just what fairly sozzled B and G wanna hear usually!

I am watching him closely to try and pick up a few tips, but off the cuff mic work is a hard art to learn!

[JAMdisco]

I am watching him closely to try and pick up a few tips, but off the cuff mic work is a hard art to learn!


I agree, 'off the cuff' humerous stuff is hard to master, but occasional announcements aren't too tough, just make sure you're clear and concise.

[Dragonfly]

I agree, 'off the cuff' humerous stuff is hard to master, but occasional announcements aren't too tough, just make sure you're clear and concise.

to be honest i think humour and the ability to carry it off is inherrant , ie. not something you can learn ..... some people are quick and funny and some arent just like most things in life .

i have always been one of those people even at school that could maybe say something to someone that the guy sitting next to me would have got in trouble for. That said im a very positive person and at gigs never make fun of people ....unless its a gig for tony and he is there , i prefer to thank those on the dancefloor and encourage them to stay there rather than for example take the "come on you miserable lot is their glue on those seats" route for those sitting down, thats just my style and has done me well in the past.

[DJ INDIE]

I dont really say a great deal over the mic especially at weddings, I think that has something to do with growing up when every DJ used to ramble on all night and drive me mad!! I also know im no good at it, so I tend to keep it to a minimum. If a client wants someone like that, Im lucky in the fact I have a friend I can bring who's very good comparing/MCing, funny and not offensive, that takes a bit of pressure off me.




i have always been one of those people even at school that could maybe say something to someone that the guy sitting next to me would have got in trouble for.

ha ha! I was the guy who'd get into trouble!

[Javlingames]

Plenty of friendly banter is good, removes the barrier from DJ and audience. Its nice to be able to entertain the audience at the beginning and then when there dancing keep chat to a minimum.

[rob1963]

Plenty of friendly banter is good, removes the barrier from DJ and audience.

As well as removing the barrier, it also removes the "centre of attention" tag from the couple who are having the most memorable day of their life.....and gives it to the DJ instead.

I personally think this is wrong.

[theoloyla]

How much do I use the mike at a wedding? As much as needed.

[gaza]

[QUOTE=DJ INDIE;256947]I dont really say a great deal over the mic especially at weddings, I think that has something to do with growing up when every DJ used to ramble on all night and drive me mad!! I also know im no good at it, so I tend to keep it to a minimum. If a client wants someone like that, Im lucky in the fact I have a friend I can bring who's very good comparing/MCing, funny and not offensive, that takes a bit of pressure off me.




Those were the days.( that's the sound of, etc etc ).

But like most of you lot, i don't do that now days, just the important things that need to be said, and just a little banter, when something funny happens, or to encourage people to dance or to thanks them for dancing.

[Excalibur]

How much do I use the mic? A lot more than some of you lot obviously! I hope I never can be accused of "Verbal Diarrhoea", which is really a throwback to days gone by, but Twice an hour? Good heavens, or other such expletives! ;) :D

[CRAZY K]

How much do I use the mic? A lot more than some of you lot obviously! I hope I never can be accused of "Verbal Diarrhoea", which is really a throwback to days gone by, but Twice an hour? Good heavens, or other such expletives! ;) :D

They might be long tracks Peter :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

CRAZY K
(Looking forward to giving the JTS some grief tomorrow night :D )

[nigelwright7557]

I tend to talk very little at club gigs as people want to dance not listen to me.
What would they want me to say ? How could I enhance their evening by talking ? I am not a stand up comedian nor want to be. If they wanted a stand up comedian the club should have booked one and not a disco !

The disco is there to entertain with music and lights.

I think the music should jus tflow and any chat breaks often have people running back to their seats. Sometimes even a slightly too long pause between tracks can have the same result.

We have a local band who have really long breaks between songs as the lead singer winds up the audience and messes around and jokes.
I found this boring as I preferred the music to the chatter.

[Penfold42]

The disco is there to entertain with music and lights.

Sorry wrong.....

You are and have been paid to entertain.........


.....or tell me different....?

[nigelwright7557]

Sorry wrong.....

You are and have been paid to entertain.........


.....or tell me different....?

I have seen both sides of this.

I did a pub gig where a woman came up, asked for a request and told me I didnt say much. I asked her what she wanted me to say, and she couldnt answer.

On the other hand, while giving a quote, a client said,"I hope you wont be talking all night, as we want to dance, not listen to you waffling on."

Different strokes for different folks.........

[Penfold42]

I have seen both sides of this.
OK


I did a pub gig where a woman came up, asked for a request and told me I didnt say much. I asked her what she wanted me to say, and she couldnt answer.
Horses for courses.


On the other hand, while giving a quote, a client said,"I hope you wont be talking all night, as we want to dance, not listen to you waffling on."
Pub gig again then?


Different strokes for different folks.........
Sorry never had it.....OP was .....


OK, this won't apply to everyone but at wedding receptions, how much do you talk over the mic?
I don't mean announcing buffet, first dance, requests etc.

How's that different....

[nigelwright7557]

OK


Pub gig again then?

..

The person who asked me not to talk too much was a wedding gig in a pub.

[Penfold42]

The person who asked me not to talk too much was a wedding gig in a pub.

:cool:

[Danno13]

The things is.. people who ask that have usually witness someone who talks after everytrack like on a radio station.

You need to find the right balance, which can depend on the gig. Pub gigs probably require more mic work, since they're not always about dancing.. and without using the mic you may aswell be a jukebox.

For weddings I tend to do the normal stuff at the beginning - introduction, first dance, and quite a bit of chat around the tracks afterwards to help kick things off and get people involbed. Then I usually just speak when changing genre or announcing requests... or if the dancefloor thins out a bit and folks need a bit of encouragement. Oh, and if something funny happens.. or there's anything to pickup on, on the dancefloor.. all without offending people of course.

[Andy Westcott]

Maybe you could capture the requirements like this:

Talk enough to let the audience know you are alive, but not so much as to become annoying. Let 2 or 3 tracks run without comment, for example.

Maybe introduce genre or year changes.

Make use of visual props if and when they present themselves.

With weddings, get to know the B&G, and important members of the wedding party so you can occasionally pass a remark or mention a name.

DO NOT make fun of anyone, especially regarding dancing ability or appearance.

[markthedoc]

I think it definitely depends on the crowd.
Some gigs are pretty raucous and have a great atmosphere and a bit of mic work adds to the atmosphere but other gigs have a more subdued atmosphere so it's no use waffling away on the mic to an empty dancefloor.

[rob1963]

it's no use waffling away on the mic to an empty dancefloor.

I'm not so sure...that's one of the times when I WOULD use the mic...in an effort to try & get some people onto the dancefloor!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not so sure...that's one of the times when I WOULD use the mic...in an effort to try & get some people onto the dancefloor!

I agree. If people aren't dancing you need to communicate and entertain.

[Excalibur]

I agree. If people aren't dancing you need to communicate and entertain.

IMHO, that's de rigeur, whether they're dancing, sitting , or whatever, as long as it's the section of the gig where that's required. A little bit of inform and educate is a laudable aim also.
I'd be willing to bet that the more mature of us on here tend to use the mic more thn the younger element, who wish to show off their mixing skills/equipment's tricks. Some of us have grown up with a merry quip for every unexpected pause in the entertainment, and can insert some of them without even thinking. :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

IMHO, that's de rigeur, whether they're dancing, sitting , or whatever, as long as it's the section of the gig where that's required. A little bit of inform and educate is a laudable aim also.
I'd be willing to bet that the more mature of us on here tend to use the mic more thn the younger element, who wish to show off their mixing skills/equipment's tricks. Some of us have grown up with a merry quip for every unexpected pause in the entertainment, and can insert some of them without even thinking. :D

I kow what you are talking about and do come from the old school personality type DJ world. However, I do know when to use the microphone skills and would encourage others to have it in their locker should the need arise.

However, I have been know to do a mix or 2 utilising my equipment tricks too!

[theoloyla]

If there is a toastmaster I let him do the talking.

[djsteve10]

If there is a toastmaster I let him do the talking.

Even so he won't be there all night and still you have to use the microphone to make a presence aswell and communicate with your crowd.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Even so he won't be there all night and still you have to use the microphone to make a presence aswell and communicate with your crowd.

I hope you're taking note Theo....:D :bang:

[theoloyla]

I once did a gig for a deaf club in Gillingham. That was fun!!!:)

[djsteve10]

I hope you're taking note Theo....:D :bang:

you will get a headache doing that :P

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

you will get a headache doing that :P

I get a headache reading a lot of the posts on her with th amount of rubbish people post.;)

[djsteve10]

I get a headache reading a lot of the posts on her with th amount of rubbish people post.;)

Define when you say rubbish
:D

[Corabar Steve]

Define when you say rubbish
:D

That would be each time he types the letters R U B B I S H in that order.

You do ask some silly questions sometimes :sj:

[JAMdisco]

OK, this won't apply to everyone but at wedding receptions, how much do you talk over the mic?

I don't mean announcing buffet, first dance, requests etc.


How's that different....

I especially asked at wedding receptions as this is the B&G's special day and generally (IMO) they don't want a DJ waffling on. They want to dance and have fun with their friends.

I now talk more at pub gigs, especially my residency as I've been doing it almost a year now so have a pretty good raport with most of the regulars.

[Penfold42]

I especially asked at wedding receptions as this is the B&G's special day and generally (IMO) they don't want a DJ waffling on. They want to dance and have fun with their friends.

I agree.......you need to talk but not waffle.

The quote was aimed at nigelwright7557 -

The disco is there to entertain with music and lights.
.....as why should it be different strokes.....my mic work is very little (It's not that I can't....I try and judge the people) at any function, as said -

For me, It depends on the crowd.....and feedback from them.
I don't think this just applies to weddings.....I judge every function by it.

It also depends how much contact with the client I have had.

I see no difference from a Wedding to Birthday party with using the mic...you are there to entertain.....so entertain...BUT DON'T BORE PEOPLE!

[JAMdisco]

I see no difference from a Wedding to Birthday party!

Usually at a wedding there's a man in a suit and a woman in a big white dress :p :D

[Ace DJ]

Talking over the mic is different at every event.
Some clients want you to say nothing at all
some to announce the requests you may get
some audiences you have to jolly along a bit and have some friendly banter with.
It is all about reading your audience.
Black tie events and weddings you sometimes need to be a bit more formal
in your approach and say the right thing at the right time and don't over do it.
If you don't have a good mic technique or the confidence to do it.
keep practicing in front of the mirror until you do.
Ace

[Penfold42]

Usually at a wedding there's a man in a suit and a woman in a big white dress :p :D

:lol:........:D

[Excalibur]

Usually at a wedding there's a man in a suit and a woman in a big white dress :p :D

On Sunday, my bride wore Pink! :p :p :p :p

[Vectis]

Well last Saturday my "bride" wore the exact same outfit as his "groom" ;)

[CRAZY K]

Usually at a wedding there's a man in a suit and a woman in a big white dress :p :D

Dont forget Civil Partnerships--;)

CRAZY K

[Penfold42]

Dont forget Civil Partnerships--;)

CRAZY K


Well last Saturday my "bride" wore the exact same outfit as his "groom" ;)

Keep up at the back......:p :D

[CRAZY K]

Keep up at the back......:p :D

No time:bang:

CRAZY K

[Penfold42]

No time:bang:

CRAZY K

:lol:..........:D

[Cj_The_Dj]

i just play it by ear. some time a bit some time hardly ever. basicly to warm them up.

[KaraokeDJ]

Gosh this one's getting a hammering... Lots of opions...


Plenty of friendly banter is good, removes the barrier from DJ and audience.

I always like to 'remove the barrier' by getting the first announcement/introduction out of the way. You get the guests attention and then they know there is a DJ and not a juke box with flashing lights.


As well as removing the barrier, it also removes the "centre of attention" tag from the couple who are having the most memorable day of their life.....and gives it to the DJ instead.

While I can see what Rob means, I don't think any of us would be trying to draw attention to ourselves. We have these big speakers and loads of lights to do that!

The DJ will get some attention but the 'guest of honour', be it a wedding, aniversary, birthday, whatever, will (and should) remain centre of attention.

Yes, as Tony said, we are there to entertain, and that means some (not too little and not too much) banter via the mic. But, no matter what we do, there will be someone who will do the same event differently and both will work.

A DJ with a massive personality and the gift of the gab could pull off a lot more talking than a fairly reserved DJ who prefers to do essential announcemcnts and occasional request/change of genre etc., But neither is wrong.

As long as the crowd is ENTERTAINED.

I generally do not talk a massive amount. Announcements, requests, bit of banter (depending on event). But people come up at the end and say what a great time they've had - and that, quite simply, tells me I did something right - regardless how much I spoke.

[Javlingames]

I used to roadie for a big personality DJ back in the early 90's, he would do impressions, zany stuff really, full of one liners. Ive never seen a DJ hand out so many cards at the end of the night, I mean 10 to 15 cards every night!! Every DJ used to be in awe of him. He went on to be a popular comedy / impressionist on the club circuit. He no longer DJ's, but works with loads at his stand up gigs. I dont know a DJ on the mobile circuit that has made a name for himself by not being a personality. At the end of the day every mobile DJ plays near enough the same songs, its the interaction between them that gets you noticed.

[JAMdisco]

I used to roadie for a big personality DJ back in the early 90's, he would do impressions, zany stuff really, full of one liners. Ive never seen a DJ hand out so many cards at the end of the night, I mean 10 to 15 cards every night!! Every DJ used to be in awe of him. He went on to be a popular comedy / impressionist on the club circuit. He no longer DJ's, but works with loads at his stand up gigs. I dont know a DJ on the mobile circuit that has made a name for himself by not being a personality. At the end of the day every mobile DJ plays near enough the same songs, its the interaction between them that gets you noticed.


Come on then, who was it, no let me guess - ermm....
....
....
Chris Moyles?
Chris Evans?
Kenny Everet?
lol

[Penfold42]

Kenny Everet?

Do you mean Kenny Everett?

:D

[JAMdisco]

What's a 'T' between friends :D

[soundtracker]

What's a 'T' between friends :D

about £1.50 around here!:D

[KaraokeDJ]

Do you mean Kenny Everett?

:D

Pick aren't we... Ooops, I mean picky!:claphands:

[Penfold42]

about £1.50 around here!:D


Pick aren't we... Ooops, I mean picky!:claphands:

:lol:.....Moi!

:D

:ontopic:

[501damian501]

I like to keep talking on a mic to a minimum, but one club i use to do, the manager was abit crazy and wanted me on the microphone every 25minutes or so, to do shout outs and advertise his promotions on his drinks lmao, cheers damo

[CRS1.com]

Achtung:

Please do not use the following phrase:

"I let the music do the talking"


Oh Oh Oh... I just can't keep quiet at this jem.

Countless time we get DJ's in the shop (some of which you wouldn't even dream would say that) and they come out with it and my reply to them is always...

"I let my voice do the talking!"

:D


Seriously though:
I do talk a lot at gigs but whatever is said always fits, every comment is relevant and I stop just short of being considered tacky in any way.


People need shouting at sometimes!!! :zip:


Isn't that right CrazyK;)
:D

[CRAZY K]

Oh Oh Oh... I just can't keep quiet at this jem.

Countless time we get DJ's in the shop (some of which you wouldn't even dream would say that) and they come out with it and my reply to them is always...

"I let my voice do the talking!"

:D


Seriously though:
I do talk a lot at gigs but whatever is said always fits, every comment is relevant and I stop just short of being considered tacky in any way.


People need shouting at sometimes!!! :zip:


Isn't that right CrazyK;)
:D


ME ?????????????????????






















SHOUT ???????????????

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

Excuse me just practising for tonights gig--now wheres that microphone?


CRAZY K

[theoloyla]

ME ?????????????????????






















SHOUT ???????????????

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

Excuse me just practising for tonights gig--now wheres that microphone?


CRAZY K
Correct them - you are a CALLER!:)

[CRAZY K]

Correct them - you are a CALLER!:)

Absolutely!!!!!























I just call rather

LOUDLY

Ask one of Darrens DJs--I think hes over the ear treatment now:D :D :D

But then what would you expect from someone with my name--;)

CRAZY K

[theoloyla]

At last night's gig I had a CD fail to play; so I had to turn round and get another one out and cue it up. Before I did so I said to the full dance floor "Talk amongst yourseves for a moment". One wag yelled out "Youre rubbish". When I turned back a second later I replied "A very astute comment."

[nigelwright7557]

At last night's gig I had a CD fail to play; so I had to turn round and get another one out and cue it up. Before I did so I said to the full dance floor "Talk amongst yourseves for a moment". One wag yelled out "Youre rubbish". When I turned back a second later I replied "A very astute comment."

At least the DJ has the advantage of always being loudest !

You need to think of a quick reply.
Like:
"Your two dads have come to take you home !"

[theoloyla]

At least the DJ has the advantage of always being loudest !
Unless you've got Krazy K in the audience!:)

[CRAZY K]

Unless you've got Krazy K in the audience!:)

Just because I turn out with a Peavey system with 4 speakers---

I worked out last night why theres apparently a reluctance for Line Dance Callers to work with Live Loud Country and Western Bands ( allegedly ) ---after getting in front of the speakers for a session.

They dont have a rasping voice and an ear splitting PA like mine:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

CRAZY K


Unless you've got Krazy K in the audience!:)

Sorry Theo thats bad news on the CD--have you considered going digital--you WOULD have to buy a Pro Dub licence then!!!!!

I was using the Cortex again last night--makes the job a whole lot easier--

A lady who was the best friend of the Birthday Cowgirl said--did you know she loves Stand by your Man--( nope wasnt mentioned to me )

Tap tap Tammy tap tap ah yes here it is Ill play it now--- impressed or what?

regards

CRAZY K