We’ve covered how it can be helpful to practice muting your mic when it’s not your turn to speak in a video call. But what about the times when you need to keep your mic live? Whether or not you’re speaking, you should always be mindful of where your microphone is.
Let’s say you use the built-in microphone on your laptop. If you’re using a MacBook, that mic rests just next to your keyboard, which means that your entire call can hear if you start typing away. To you, it just sounds like a normal keyboard, but because your mic is directly next to the keyboard, your audience hears uncomfortably loud clicks and clacks.
Even if you aren’t typing, you might find yourself absent-mindedly brushing up against your computer during the call. If you run your hands over the microphone by accident, the entire call will hear that as well.
On the flip side, a lot of us use the built-in microphone in our headphones. If you’re using wireless earbuds, the microphone is directly attached the bud itself, so if you go to readjust its position, everyone will hear a sound similar to one described above.
If you use wired earbuds, your mic is dangling close to your face and neck. You’ll just want to be careful to not make any noises there that could distract the members of the call.
To summarize, take some time to figure out where the mic you’re using is. Then, if you’re not muted, always keep in mind that the mic is broadcasting your audio to the entire call!
