Techniques for Audio Performances

The Body:
When performing any audio piece it is important that your body is...
. Loose, if the body is loose there is no restriction for your voice and the actor will be relaxed behind the microphone
. Have your body weight on the balls of your feet, that way your weight pulls you closer to the microphone and makes you voice more direct
. Have your legs spread shoulder width apart, this means you are grounded and the voice is supported by the body
. Released your arms, this means your are able if you want to use gestures to help you get your text across to the microphone.

The Microphone:
It is also important to consider the microphone in comparison to the body...
. Stand sideways to the microphone, this will help the actor to avoid popping. (Popping is when letters like P re overly emphasised on the mic and you can distinctively here a pop noise)
. Don't stand to close to the microphone as your voice will sound to loud for the audience. It is best to stand about a hand size away from the mic.
. Breathe in threw your nose and mouth, this will help depress the noise of your breathing in the recording

Extra noises:
With in you audio performance you may have extra sounds like...
. Sound effects, these are often used to help indicate where the actors are set or what time era. It can also help describe the actors actions and what is happening around the actors. For example there could a noise of a kettle boiling so we know it is probably set in a kitchen or there is the sound of a gun so we know someone has probably been shot.
. White noise, this is used just so that there is no silence in the audio piece. It is helpful to put as a background noise whilst someone else is talking.
. Music, this is used to indicate the passing of time, a time era in which the piece is set or even to set the mood of the scene or play.