Dear One+,
I have been trying for years to get someone to listen to me (I am Audio, after all) about the extreme importance of having the best audio quality. It's fantastic to see an article that demonstrates the power of sound.
Unfortunately, my fancy cousin Lighting and my sister Video tend to get all of the attention because they're just a little more sexy than I am. But, I'm telling you, if there's one thing an audience member will complain about, it's when they just can't hear. Even with an obstructed view of my sister Video, the crux of the message being delivered is generally through a voice. And that's where I come in.
With the right equipment and best engineers, I really shine. You don't want to skimp on my quality, trust me!! Too often a meeting planner believes the house sound system will be adequate because it is built into that room...well, think again. Most systems were built when the venue was constructed, and unless in you're in an ultra high-tech hotel or other venue, the audio system probably fell far below the jacuzzi tubs and bedside tables on that builder's checklist of priorities.
The trick with me is to make sure you have:
a) Adequate Power - underpowered systems cause an audience to strain to hear the sound. And, ultimately, as one's senses become fatigued, attention fades quickly.
b) Excellent Distribution - the correct system will distribute sound evenly in a room so there are neither dead spots nor ear blasting zones. This is important for keeping your audience's attention as well.
Thank you for calling attention to my sadly neglected state.
Sincerely,
Audio
"I put the 'A' in A/V"
(via my #1 fan and advocate: Midori Connolly, Chief AVGirl, Pulse Staging and Events - @AVGirlMidori)
This was a fun letter I constructed after reading the most recent issue of One+ Magazine by MPI. Their Business of Meetings
feature article discussed the impact of sound on our meetings. Did you know that "microphone feedback is the second most disagreeable sound, scoring higher than a recording of fingernails scraping a chalkboard and just behind the sound of a person vomiting, according to more than 1 million respondents in a study by the Acoustics and Audio Engineering Department at the University of Salford, U.K.?
So, I encourage you to read this fantastic article delineating how absolutely crucial audio and sound truly are when it comes to a meeting experience.
Enjoy!!