Now that I have a weekly podcast (Associations Thrive, available on all the major podcast networks), I interview CEOs, Executive Directors, and Presidents every single week.
And you know what I’ve realized? Some chief execs have a great microphone or headset with a great microphone, and many do not. For the purposes of my podcast, I want the chief execs to have a great microphone because my episodes come out sound so much better, and so much more professional when my guests have nice audio. If the exec doesn’t have a microphone, I make it work, but the difference is so great that I’m about to start requiring a microphone or I’ll send the exec a microphone.
But then I got to thinking. If some execs sound great during my interviews, while some do not, the same is also true during the endless Zoom and Teams meetings that these execs have all day long. So does it really matter if a chief exec sounds great during a virtual Board meeting, staff meeting or webinar?
I think it does. I think that in 2020, when the pandemic was just starting, people put up with less than optimal video and sound quality during their virtual meetings and conferences. But today, people expect higher production value, and they expect good video and audio. Your members may not say it, but subconsciously, they are rating your performance as a chief exec on everything you’re doing: your actions, your words, your visual presence, and yes, how you sound on a call or video meeting.
I think it’s also a sign of respect to your audience to sound as good as you can during an online meeting. With a great microphone, your fellow meeting attendees or guests don’t have to strain to understand your words, and you don’t risk being misunderstood because your words aren’t clear.
You don’t need to spend a ton of money to sound great during a Zoom meeting or podcast interview. If you’re in the market for a microphone, here are my recommendations:
- I myself own a blue Yeti. I love this mic. My staff say I sound great all the time. I sprung for a pop screen because I record for Associations Thrive every week, but I don’t think it’s necessary unless you’re doing a lot of recordings like me.
- If you want to splurge, go for this microphone.
- If you want a budget microphone, Leah Monica, Director of Marketing at Matrix Group, uses this microphone.
You probably splurged on an external camera during the pandemic (I know I did, well, I spent $100!). Isn’t it time to spend a little money to sound great during your next Zoom meeting? CEO or otherwise!