Microphone Chatter

[Casual77]

I come from a clubbing background where the DJs are seen but never heard. Apart from the occasional arm raised aloft there is very little audience interaction and the music selection and quality of mixing is allowed to do the talking. This is something I'm pretty comfortable with.

I appreciate though that the role of the mobile DJ is very different to the club DJ and that there is an expectancy that the DJ will use a microphone and address his (or her) crowd on occasion. The problem is that I'm not sure when it is appropriate to speak and more to the point what I should be saying. I'm not a person who relishes public speaking so my natural inclination is to say very little but I realise that if I want to become successful in this industry that I need to lose my microphone inhibitions and become a bit more chatty.

So.... Can anyone give me some rules of thumb about when I should and shouldn't talk and what sort of things I could (and perhaps should) be saying?

[Andy P]

listening with interest, bar announcements I only use the mic about 5 times a night - its something im working on however.

I'd like to know what people put out on the mic as I take it the smashy and nicey approach is very dated.

I'm also struggling to get the settings right between singing and talking. I learned to set up mics for singers with strong voices. There is a vast difference in the outcome between me singing and talking even when I dip the music level.

[fullcontact68]

For me, it's all comes down to the event / people.

For weddings, I'll announce the entry of the bride/groom, first dance, cake cutting, buffet, etc.

For all events I'll mention request taking. (At various time during the event)

For some events, where I know the people better, I'll use a bit of banter from time to time. Usually goes down well.


Also, sometimes you get requests from clients that they don't want you to use the microphone at all, just play music.

I just take each event as it comes, and fingers crossed, the mic usage will be fit for purpose.

[Casual77]

There is a vast difference in the outcome between me singing and talking even when I dip the music level.


I can't see that being a problem for me. I might do a bit of talking but I certainly won't be inflicting my singing voice on anyone!

[Andy P]

I probably do a lot more karaoke bookings than the standard MDD user. I normally set up 3 singing mics and one for me but invariably I get handed them back in mass and end up talking into the wrong one. But also just setting up vocally in general sounds fine during testing but then with the loud music I can often get lost.

I have the slider up to match the level of the main, set the compressor quite low and gain at 12 oclock - if you use a desk where do you set yours

[Casual77]

For weddings, I'll announce the entry of the bride/groom, first dance, cake cutting, buffet, etc.

For all events I'll mention request taking.


I haven't done any wedding gigs yet but I figured I would come up with some standard scripts I could learn for the major announcements until I become more comfortable.

As for announcing that I take requests.... I've been a bit reluctant to do that because my music collection is still a bit thinner that it could ideally do with being. As I build it up my collection and start to cover all the bases I will feel a bit more comfortable inviting requests though.

[Casual77]

I have the slider up to match the level of the main, set the compressor quite low and gain at 12 oclock - if you use a desk where do you set yours

I don't see myself ever doing karaoke so I don't use a mixer. I'm not sure if I should be doing things differently, but at the moment I just run XLR cables out of the back of my DJ controller into either a sub or straight into the back of my speakers.

[fullcontact68]

As for announcing that I take requests.... I've been a bit reluctant to do that because my music collection is still a bit thinner that it could ideally do with being. As I build it up my collection and start to cover all the bases I will feel a bit more comfortable inviting requests though.

Content Unlimited :)

[Nakatomi]

I come from a background in bar & club DJing where talking was a big requirement for announcing drinks promos, crowd control, specials, you name it, as well as being encouraged to take the rise out of certain crowd members, so I'm very comfortable using a mike.

It wasn't always this way, so I'll make some suggestions which have helped me ashing the way.

Prepare yourself for an imaginary gig where you at least need to announce the first dance & the opening of the buffet. Plan what you're going to say before you open your mouth and practise by yourself. I recommend listening back to yourself during and afterwards so headphones and recording are great tools to have here. Get used to how you sound on the mike. Don't put on a voice or accent but try to be natural. Speak slowly and deliberately. A rushed delivery is more likely to be unintelligible.

Yes it's a bit sad practising by yourself but do you want to get better at it or not?

Also try to make it more interesting rather than just announcing "it's tine for the first dance" say something more song the lines of "Good evening ladies & gentlemen. My name is ... & I'm your DJ for this evening. Please join me in welcoming the new Mr & Mrs X onto the dancefloor to shuffle aimlessly to an Ed Sheeran song because he's popular at weddings right now". Okay maybe not those exact words, but the idea is to embellish a little :-)

When doing drinks promo announcements all night I found all kinds of ways to day the same thing just so I didn't tire of saying them so much.

Before you play out, if you have the chance to check your mike level & eq, do so. Start with the master turned up to a reasonable level, the Mic channel OFF, gain all the way down and eq flat. Turn on the mike channel, switch the mike on if it's got a switch, and slowly turn up the gain of the mike channel while speaking into the mike. Stop when you sound loud enough, then adjust the eq as necessary. I usually find I have to turn the bass down to about quarter to on some systems or I sound too muddy.

Starting with the gain on the Mic channel all the way down helps stop you creating speaker blowing feedback.

[Casual77]

That all sounds like good advice. I don't particularly like the sound of my own recorded voice but I suppose if I want to get the tone and style of my announcements right it is something I need to work on.

I don't suppose I could get you to PM me with some suggested mini scripts for the major wedding announcements, could I???

[Casual77]

Content Unlimited :)

I had planned to go down the Content Unlimited route but after subscribing to it for a month I realised how much crap there is on there. I downloaded about a dozen songs and when I listened to them some were live concert recordings complete with crowd noise and some were even bedroom cover versions and there was no indication of this in the filename! I decided on balance that it would be far less risky to buy music through iTunes where at least I knew what I would be getting.

[Nakatomi]

listening with interest, bar announcements I only use the mic about 5 times a night - its something im working on however.

I'd like to know what people put out on the mic as I take it the smashy and nicey approach is very dated.



I tend not to say "that was.. X.. now here's Y.. " because it's not really saying anything - and if you're talking but not really saying something there's NO POINT. I do back-announce tracks sometimes when I'm about to change the style, or to announce a request I'm about to play.. e.g. "that was Taylor Swift. This next song is for Little Johnny, and he promised he'd dance to it if I played it.."

Is that Smashey & Nicey? Maybe but I sure as hell don't sound mid-Atlantic with over stressed inflection when I do it :D

One of the other guys who works for my boss sounds like a blimmin wrestling announcer whenever he talks on the mike. I almost covered the mixer in drink when I first heard that. Hilariously bad.

[Nakatomi]

That all sounds like good advice. I don't particularly like the sound of my own recorded voice but I suppose if I want to get the tone and style of my announcements right it is something I need to work on.

I don't suppose I could get you to PM me with some suggested mini scripts for the major wedding announcements, could I???

Use your own imagination - this ain't rocket science :) You need to use words that SUIT YOU, too or it won't be natural.

A tip I can offer here:

Always get the couple's names. If you have nothing else, get these. Alternatively, use 'The New Mr & Mrs SURNAME" or as well as. "The bride & groom" should only ever be used in extreme emergencies & is better than getting any of their names wrong.

Repeat after me: Do not get the names wrong. Do not get the names wrong. Do NOT get the names wrong. Oh :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: I got the names wrong... BACK PEDAL!

[mattydj50]

Repeat after me: Do not get the names wrong. Do not get the names wrong. Do NOT get the names wrong. Oh :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: I got the names wrong... BACK PEDAL!


Get a post it note, write on it in big capital letters:

BRIDE'S FIRST NAME ------> Jenny

GROOMS FIRST NAME ------> Michael

THEIR MARRIED SURNAME -> Coe


Leave it there all night, then quickly glance at this before making any announcements. At the end of the night - BIN IT. That way you won't get next week's wrong!

[Casual77]

Use your own imagination - this ain't rocket science :) You need to use words that SUIT YOU, too or it won't be natural.

I think I probably worded that badly. I'm not particularly after word for word announcements its just I'm not all that sure what the main announcements should be. I've been to my fair share of family/friends weddings but I've never really paid more than a passing interest to the DJ or listened to what they have said.

For instance.... I know towards the start of the night there will be an announcement for the first dance (and a variation of your earlier suggestion would be perfectly acceptable), but is it customary to do an announcement prior to that when you first start playing music, and should there be an announcement after the first dance before you put the next song on? Other than that I know there is usually some kind of announcement for the cake being cut and I'm sure I can manage 't'buffets open' in my broadest Barnsley accent. Oh and then I suspect I'll be asked to announce last orders at the bar but should I have some kind of closing announcement before the last song finishes or will 'That's all folks' suffice?

I know a lot of this comes down to personal preference but it would be really helpful to get a little guidance before doing my first wedding gig. I'm sure I will have a few butterflies as it is so if I can do anything to minimise the stress of making microphone announcements would certainly not go amiss.

I can certainly see the merit in not forgetting the bride and grooms names. Maybe a pen and pad would be helpful for me on that one because my memory isn't all that great these days.

[Andy P]

I've had no such issue and use content unlimited all the time when at gigs. I'll watch out for this however, my main boggle is forgetting to switch off karaoke versions on VDJ and putting a song on with no words

[Nakatomi]

I still get butterflies before a disco. I think I'd worry if I didn't!

Generally, there's the opening greeting.

Then the cake cut or first dance.

Then special dances like grooms mother & groom or brides father & bride.

After that, maybe special requests or party pieces relations jump in to do.

Then the food arriving, and after that general stuff like reminding people not to dance with their drinks, transport picking people up etc.

There may be a bouquet throwing somewhere in there too.

Last orders, the last couple of songs, last song and either before or after playing last song, congratulate the couple & wishing everyone else a safe onward journey and say goodnight.

There may be others along the way, say if the couple want to leave early & make a thing of it.

For other occasions, adapt as necessity dictates.

It's pretty straight forward really.

Styles vary by event, sometimes I lead a countdown to the cake cut, or encourage applause... It just depends.

[Andy P]

but do you sing along to happy birthday

[ukpartydj]

I'd like to improve the way I come across on the microphone, when I started I really didn't like the idea of using it but I actually quite enjoy it now.
These are the announcements I normally make:

When I think everybody is ready to dance at a party - "Good evening everyone, before we get things going I'd like to introduce myself. My name is David, I will be your DJ for this evening. If you've got any requests, please let me know and I will do my best to fit them in. Right, lets kick things off with Uptown Funk!"

First dance - "Right, everybody if I could have your attention. You may want to get your cameras ready and gather around the dancefloor... *pause with silence*... okay! Could we please have a big round of applause for Bride's name & Groom's name to welcome them onto the dancefloor for their first dance!" ... if nobody claps, I raise my voice and in a slightly pantomime way say "I said.... if we could have a BIG round of applause for the first dance please!!" If I still don't get anything - "ahh never mind! Here's a lovely song they've picked by Ed Sheeren".

Last orders - "Last orders at the bar please, last orders at the bar"

45 mins before the end - "Right, it's your last chance to get requests in as we've got 45 mins left of the night"
I always say we've only got 3 tracks left, 2 tracks left and "before we play the last track, I'd like to say congratulations/happy birthday to whoever and I hope you've all had a great night. This is the last one so I hope you like it!" .. then at the end "that's it I'm afraid, safe journey home. Goodnight".

I's welcome any improvements on these as I'm sure there are some to be made.

[Nakatomi]

I don't ask for their attention. By definition, with the PA I get it :-)

[Nakatomi]

but do you sing along to happy birthday

Heh no way, not with my singing voice. If you can't mix, don't. If you can't sing, don't :-)

[Daryll]

If you can't mix, don't. If you can't sing, don't :-)

Aint that the truth :like:

[little al]

Get a post it note, write on it in big capital letters:

BRIDE'S FIRST NAME ------> Jenny

GROOMS FIRST NAME ------> Michael

THEIR MARRIED SURNAME -> Coe


Leave it there all night, then quickly glance at this before making any announcements. At the end of the night - BIN IT. That way you won't get next week's wrong!

That is exactly what I do. Sage advice.

[Excalibur]

For me, it's all comes down to the event / people.

For weddings, I'll announce the entry of the bride/groom, first dance, cake cutting, buffet, etc.

For all events I'll mention request taking. (At various time during the event)

For some events, where I know the people better, I'll use a bit of banter from time to time. Usually goes down well.


Also, sometimes you get requests from clients that they don't want you to use the microphone at all, just play music.

I just take each event as it comes, and fingers crossed, the mic usage will be fit for purpose.

As much as I'd like to dive straight in with some flippant and humorous reply to this topic, I must say that the above advice just about encapsulates every bit of advice I'd give anyone. Well done that man. :thumbsup:



I don't suppose I could get you to PM me with some suggested mini scripts for the major wedding announcements, could I???
No. You must sound natural, you must. Reading it off a screen, or piece of paper is a no-no.

This will sound really trite, and boastful, but what you're aiming for is to turn the mic on, and say the appropriate things without even thinking. Those folk who grew up with dodgy turntables and cream crackered styli know whereof I speak. ;)




One of the other guys who works for my boss sounds like a blimmin wrestling announcer whenever he talks on the mike. I almost covered the mixer in drink when I first heard that. Hilariously bad.
I know someone else who is in a similar category. ;)


Get a post it note, write on it in big capital letters:

BRIDE'S FIRST NAME ------> Jenny

GROOMS FIRST NAME ------> Michael

THEIR MARRIED SURNAME -> Coe


Leave it there all night, then quickly glance at this before making any announcements. At the end of the night - BIN IT. That way you won't get next week's wrong!
More good advice. Just make sure you get the married name.of the couple, and not the maiden name of the bride you've been dealing with. I've done that, sorry, I mean I know someone who did it. :o:D:D

Sound natural, don't mumble, don't shout, don't put on a different voice, and don't stress it. It will come with time. Meanwhile, stick with hello, buffet's open, last orders etc.

[DazzyD]

I haven't done any wedding gigs yet but I figured I would come up with some standard scripts I could learn for the major announcements until I become more comfortable.

As for announcing that I take requests.... I've been a bit reluctant to do that because my music collection is still a bit thinner that it could ideally do with being. As I build it up my collection and start to cover all the bases I will feel a bit more comfortable inviting requests though.

I think most of the best advice has already been given. The only emphasis I can make is write a few scripts for potential scenarios and stand in front of the mirror (well, a little way back) and practise them aloud. And practise some more. And some more. And, when you think you've got it down to a tee, practise some more! The idea of the mirror is so you can actually see yourself forming the words. It can help to see where you're going wrong as opposed to just hearing it in your head. Exaggerate your mouth movements as this will help you to project your voice better and you'll sound a lot less mumbly.


Heh no way, not with my singing voice. If you can't mix, don't. If you can't sing, don't :-)

I strongly believe everybody can sing. Something at least! It's simply about choosing the right song or style to suit what you can do with your voice. Shane McGowen (that pretty boy of Irish pop :D ) didn't do too badly with his less than pitch-perfect singing ability. But he chose the right songs. Likewise the deep, grumbling voice of Chris Rea. Hardly the voice of an angel but he did pretty well for himself. Pick the right song and you'll get the right reaction! ;)

[Casual77]

No. You must sound natural, you must. Reading it off a screen, or piece of paper is a no-no.

I don't ever intend reading anything off paper at a live event. I probably will make some notes on a piece of paper but only so that I can think about the things I'm likely to need to say and practice at home. That way I'll hopefully feel more comfortable and sound more natural when I next need to pick up the mic on a gig.

[Nakatomi]

I strongly believe everybody can sing. Something at least! It's simply about choosing the right song or style to suit what you can do with your voice. Shane McGowen (that pretty boy of Irish pop :D ) didn't do too badly with his less than pitch-perfect singing ability. But he chose the right songs. Likewise the deep, grumbling voice of Chris Rea. Hardly the voice of an angel but he did pretty well for himself. Pick the right song and you'll get the right reaction! ;)

Funnily enough, I sing a lot more than I used to now I have kids, but in public ? Where's me pitch pipe? :lol:
Leading into a 'happy birthday' is something I'm going to have to do at some point, so I'll work at it.

[Andy P]

You only need to get the first two words right then the crowd will drown you out believe me

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I agree with a lot of what has been said already and have similar experiences in both Club / Bar and Mobile work.
I tend to let the music do the talking whenever possible. One of the things that I tell the customers in the meetings beforehand is that I don't overkill on the microphone. I will say what I need to say and that's about it.

Different scenarios though really.
For example : When I did the club work and it was for large chains (Yates' / Litten Tree type places), then I would (as said already) advertise the drinks promos, other events at the venue and give shout outs for Birthday's, Hen & Stag Nights etc. At those 2 venues in particular they both did coaches to clubs out of town when it came to closing (before extended licenses came in), so I would advertise though too.
When I started promoting my own Indie / Alternative nights I hardly said a word. I'd say thanks at the end of the night or I'd let people know when I was back.

When I am doing my 'Request Fest' nights at my local then I do more microphone work than I do anywhere else because it is a request driven night. I'll also advertise upcoming events and anything else I need to.

Weddings and Birthdays are totally different for me. A Wedding for example will see me introduce myself once I think the majority of guests have arrived. I'll be playing background music and say something along the lines of "Good Evening Ladies & Gents. I hope you've had a great day celebrating with the Bride & Groom. My name's Gary and I will be with you until Midnight. Before we go any further can we have a massive congratulations to (for example) Matt & Sarah"

I'll then continue with the music and as I have broken the ice with the guests I'll let them know that I take requests. I'll also say something like "Matt & Sarah (for example) have provided me with a list of their favourite songs. We want you to have a great night and the music you want to hear so please, if you have any requests come up and let me know and I will do my best to get them on for you"

Other than that, it is the cake cutting (if they haven't already done it) and the announcement of the first dance - "Ladies & Gents we have come to that moment where we invite the Bride & Groom on to the dance floor for their first dance on their special day. This song means something special to both of them. Congratulations Mrs & Mrs Smith (for example)"

As the song comes to an end or when given the cue I will invite the other guests on to the floor to join the Bride & Groom and then that's it really.
Buffet announcements, Taxis or Last Orders and songs that have been specifically requested for someone.

I'm not one of those DJ's that will tell a packed dance floor that they've just heard Abba - Dancing Queen when they all know that already.
I might, every now and then say something with reference to a particular track (for example) "Bruno Mars, best selling single in the UK at the moment" but it is not very often to be honest.

[Shaun]

Finding out the customers expectations (and fears) with regards to how much interaction they would like from the DJ is a key factor. Different customers have different expectations. One booking last year the client asked that the DJ not speak on the mic at all the whole night (but after a little chat he conceded that it might just be best to let the DJ use the mic briefly to call the B&G up for the first dance, lol). I've got a regular client that's booked me for their family parties for decades, he likes lots of interaction, silly adult party games and the DJ on the mic as much as possible. When I worked in nightclubs sometimes it was non-stop mixing no chat, and other nights it was expected that the DJ used the mic a lot as a way to generate the ambiance the club wanted for that particular event. With mobile work, back in the day when I started a huge amount of interaction was expected, but for the most part and for the gigs I do now less is more (which I prefer). Different strokes for different folks though. It's nice to be able to switch styles depending on the clients expectations.

There's been a lot of good advice on this thread so far. Keeping key information such as name of client etc right in front of you so that you can glance at it briefly before calling the First Dance etc. I use requests cards too, so if the guest has added their name I'll occasionally announce that the song I'm playing is for them. I'll often use the mic when switching genres, or letting the guests know that in the next few minutes I'll be switching to a particular genre.

Practice makes perfect though. Try not to rush your words too much. Over the years I've heard a lot of DJs that speak so fast it's hard to hear what they're saying, especially if there is music playing in the background too. Lower the volume of the music whilst using the mic. I like to hold the mic under my mouth, but close to it. So my mouth is visible when speaking. Try to look engaged and making eye contact with the audience when speaking. Try to look confident - if you appear confident, relaxed and engaging whilst using the mic, not only will the audience feel more relaxed, so will you.

Practice practice practice. Good luck. :) :beer1:

[Casual77]

I'd like to improve the way I come across on the microphone, when I started I really didn't like the idea of using it but I actually quite enjoy it now.
These are the announcements I normally make:

When I think everybody is ready to dance at a party - "Good evening everyone, before we get things going I'd like to introduce myself. My name is David, I will be your DJ for this evening. If you've got any requests, please let me know and I will do my best to fit them in. Right, lets kick things off with Uptown Funk!"

First dance - "Right, everybody if I could have your attention. You may want to get your cameras ready and gather around the dancefloor... *pause with silence*... okay! Could we please have a big round of applause for Bride's name & Groom's name to welcome them onto the dancefloor for their first dance!" ... if nobody claps, I raise my voice and in a slightly pantomime way say "I said.... if we could have a BIG round of applause for the first dance please!!" If I still don't get anything - "ahh never mind! Here's a lovely song they've picked by Ed Sheeren".

Last orders - "Last orders at the bar please, last orders at the bar"

45 mins before the end - "Right, it's your last chance to get requests in as we've got 45 mins left of the night"
I always say we've only got 3 tracks left, 2 tracks left and "before we play the last track, I'd like to say congratulations/happy birthday to whoever and I hope you've all had a great night. This is the last one so I hope you like it!" .. then at the end "that's it I'm afraid, safe journey home. Goodnight".

I's welcome any improvements on these as I'm sure there are some to be made.


I agree with a lot of what has been said already and have similar experiences in both Club / Bar and Mobile work.
I tend to let the music do the talking whenever possible. One of the things that I tell the customers in the meetings beforehand is that I don't overkill on the microphone. I will say what I need to say and that's about it.

Different scenarios though really.
For example : When I did the club work and it was for large chains (Yates' / Litten Tree type places), then I would (as said already) advertise the drinks promos, other events at the venue and give shout outs for Birthday's, Hen & Stag Nights etc. At those 2 venues in particular they both did coaches to clubs out of town when it came to closing (before extended licenses came in), so I would advertise though too.
When I started promoting my own Indie / Alternative nights I hardly said a word. I'd say thanks at the end of the night or I'd let people know when I was back.

When I am doing my 'Request Fest' nights at my local then I do more microphone work than I do anywhere else because it is a request driven night. I'll also advertise upcoming events and anything else I need to.

Weddings and Birthdays are totally different for me. A Wedding for example will see me introduce myself once I think the majority of guests have arrived. I'll be playing background music and say something along the lines of "Good Evening Ladies & Gents. I hope you've had a great day celebrating with the Bride & Groom. My name's Gary and I will be with you until Midnight. Before we go any further can we have a massive congratulations to (for example) Matt & Sarah"

I'll then continue with the music and as I have broken the ice with the guests I'll let them know that I take requests. I'll also say something like "Matt & Sarah (for example) have provided me with a list of their favourite songs. We want you to have a great night and the music you want to hear so please, if you have any requests come up and let me know and I will do my best to get them on for you"

Other than that, it is the cake cutting (if they haven't already done it) and the announcement of the first dance - "Ladies & Gents we have come to that moment where we invite the Bride & Groom on to the dance floor for their first dance on their special day. This song means something special to both of them. Congratulations Mrs & Mrs Smith (for example)"

As the song comes to an end or when given the cue I will invite the other guests on to the floor to join the Bride & Groom and then that's it really.
Buffet announcements, Taxis or Last Orders and songs that have been specifically requested for someone.

I'm not one of those DJ's that will tell a packed dance floor that they've just heard Abba - Dancing Queen when they all know that already.
I might, every now and then say something with reference to a particular track (for example) "Bruno Mars, best selling single in the UK at the moment" but it is not very often to be honest.

Thanks both for those suggestions. I feel as though I've got a much better handle on what sort of things I need to be saying now. I just need to get some practice in front of a mirror now so that hopefully the announcements will roll naturally off my tongue when the time arises.

[mattydj50]

Don't tell what time you are scheduled to finish. That way, if the opportuniuty arises, you may get asked to close down early and no-one will be any the wiser.

[Excalibur]

but for the most part and for the gigs I do now less is more (which I prefer).

Was your mouth out with soap, you naughty boy. :Naughty: :Naughty:


It is apparent that many customers fear their DJ will engage in a constant barrage of verbal diarrhoea, and wish to avoid this at all costs. It is said that Peter Kay perpetuates this, but how true this is, I'm not sure.

I will concede to Shaun that a significant number of customers ask for minimal use of the microphone, I had one recently. I appear to have struck the required balance.
It is undoubtedly true ( shock, horror ) that I am regularly using the microphone less than I once did. Ah well. :(

Mind you, in the Good Old Days, when we had real music, I always tried to have an hour where I tried not to speak at all, but simply play a constant stream of dancefloor fillers.


Practice makes perfect though. Try not to rush your words too much. Over the years I've heard a lot of DJs that speak so fast it's hard to hear what they're saying, especially if there is music playing in the background too. Lower the volume of the music whilst using the mic. I like to hold the mic under my mouth, but close to it. So my mouth is visible when speaking. Try to look engaged and making eye contact with the audience when speaking. Try to look confident - if you appear confident, relaxed and engaging whilst using the mic, not only will the audience feel more relaxed, so will you.

Practice practice practice. Good luck. :) :beer1:

And Shaun gives some excellent advice here. Rushing is often caused by nervousness. Try to relax.

[DazzyD]

Don't tell what time you are scheduled to finish. That way, if the opportuniuty arises, you may get asked to close down early and no-one will be any the wiser.

Not just finish times but don't announce any kind of timing (especially at a private function). Timings, in my experience, are only ever a rough guide and are vary rarely adhered to. By all means, announce that "later, we'll have the cake cutting so make sure your cameras are ready" or "we'll also be doing speeches and toasts so ensure your glasses are charged ready" but don't give any times. Timings for an event are rarely ever set in stone! ;)

[ukpartydj]

Following on from what Shaun said about not rushing:

I often find myself sounding very dull on the mic as I do have a fairly monotone voice outside of work (or so I've been told) to counter this I try to smile / think of something funny just before picking the mic up so I sound a bit more lively! I've noticed at a certain venue after I speak to a certain member of staff who's quite a funny guy I always sound much more lively on the mic.

[Nakatomi]

Following on from what Shaun said about not rushing:

I often find myself sounding very dull on the mic as I do have a fairly monotone voice outside of work (or so I've been told) to counter this I try to smile / think of something funny just before picking the mic up so I sound a bit more lively! I've noticed at a certain venue after I speak to a certain member of staff who's quite a funny guy I always sound much more lively on the mic.

A very old cheesy adage which I find useful is: Put a smile in your voice. I don't mean go all sing-song like a bored bingo announcer though :)

[ckpr2]

1/ Greet the crowd at the beginning of the night and offer to play requests.
2// Announce track artist and name if it isn't obvious.
3/ Last orders at the bar announcement.
4/ End of night, thank you for coming, safe journey home.

[Casual77]

Thanks everyone. There's been some very useful advice among your posts.

I think that once I've done a few weddings I should be fine. I've got a 6-hour eighties cheese-fest coming up next Saturday so that should go a long way to getting me over any microphone inhibitions!

[Shaun]

Thanks everyone. There's been some very useful advice among your posts.


Perhaps there's someone on the forum that you can offer to roadie for, for a wedding or two. It might be handy to see in the flesh how others do it. The DJ will gain a little bit free help for a few hours, and you'll gain some invaluable tips. Win win. Who knows, it might turn out to be a fantastic networking opportunity for you too.

[rth_discos]

The best advice I can offer is:

If you don't have anything to say, don't speak

[fullcontact68]

The best advice I can offer is:

If you don't have anything to say, don't speak

If only I could say that to my wife :rolleyes:

[mattydj50]

If only I could say that to my wife :rolleyes:

Well, just don't tell her!

[Casual77]

Perhaps there's someone on the forum that you can offer to roadie for, for a wedding or two. It might be handy to see in the flesh how others do it. The DJ will gain a little bit free help for a few hours, and you'll gain some invaluable tips. Win win. Who knows, it might turn out to be a fantastic networking opportunity for you too.

Yes I'm certainly open to that. I've been on a birthday gig with fullcontact68 and a wedding with Mattydj50. I've also arranged to roadie on a gig with Excalibur this Saturday evening. Assuming I haven't got a gig of my own I'm happy to go along as a roadie and pick up some valuable tricks of the trade. I think Scotland is unfortunately a bit too far off my patch for me to offer my roadie services to you though Shaun.

[Excalibur]

Perhaps there's someone on the forum that you can offer to roadie for,.
Shaun, you're psychic. :D


The best advice I can offer is:

If you don't have anything to say, don't speak

Ah yes, but: many of us feel that we can always find something germane, erudite and witty to slip into the proceedings. ;):D:D

Seriously, speaking just for the sake of it isn't a good idea, but in my exceedingly humble opinion, near total silence all night is no better. Balancing act.

[Shaun]

I think Scotland is unfortunately a bit too far off my patch for me to offer my roadie services to you though Shaun.

Damn, my plan to get cheap help has failed. :d


Shaun, you're psychic. :D



I knew you were going to say that before you did. :ph34r: