Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

When using a microphone you should never ______________.

1. Move the microphone from hand to hand

2. Keep it too close to your mouth

3. Adjust the volume too high

4. Use it in a quiet room

The correct answer is: Move the microphone from hand to hand

Moving the microphone from hand to hand can create a variety of issues during a presentation or speech. This action can lead to inconsistent audio levels, which can be distracting for the audience. Continuously shifting the microphone can also introduce handling noise, where sounds generated by the movement of the mic are picked up, detracting from the clarity of the message being delivered. It is essential to maintain a steady position with the microphone to ensure a consistent sound quality. In contrast, the other options relate to various practices that can be adjusted or managed. Keeping the microphone too close to your mouth can lead to distortion or a booming sound, but it is manageable with some awareness and technique. Adjusting the volume too high can result in feedback or an overwhelming audio level, which is also a correctable issue with proper sound checks. Using the microphone in a quiet room typically enhances clarity rather than presenting a challenge. Thus, maintaining the microphone in a stable position is integral to effective communications.