♫ upbeat music ♫
NARRATOR: Human beings like to make connections -
whether at business meetings,
conferences, video calls,
basket weaving workshops,
anywhere folks gather to share ideas.
But just because people are in the same room
doesn't mean they're always on the same page.
[page flip]
Now that meeting didn't plan itself -
you spent a lot of time and energy putting it all together!
Yet, would you be surprised to find out
that even after all that work,
not everybody who attended could fully participate?
♫ bossa nova music ♫
EVELYN: So, I have cochlear implants,
meaning my hearing isn't really natural.
I hear with microphones
and my own personalized programming.
When I'm listening to people
it's like having to translate another language.
DEVIN: With hearing aids there's limitations
as to what I can pick up.
I can hear sounds obviously,
but I can't always understand.
JAYESH: For them it's very easy to accept
the guy with the glasses is normal.
Hearing aid?
They just can't.
DEVIN: If I don't have certain accommodations,
I could get a little nervous
and be frustrated, at sometimes.
EVELYN: At work I had a meeting recently.
My boss wasn't even facing me.
He was facing everybody else,
he didn't have a microphone or anything.
It just feels kinda pointless.
[kaboom!]
NARRATOR: But what if there was something
you could do to change their experience?
A way to increase participation,
all while improving the overall exchange for everybody?
Would you like to know what it is?
ORGANIZER: [inaudible]
NARRATOR: Well, speak up!
ORGANIZER: [inaudible]
ALL: Like the mic!
♫ upbeat music ♫
NARRATOR: Yes, mics!
Or, if you speak in more than 140 characters at a time,
microphones, are not limited
to just pop stars and politicians.
Today regular, real people use mics
in everyday life all the time.
In fact, I'm even using a mic -
- right now!
ORGANIZER: Oh, I don't need a microphone.
I have a loud voice already.
NARRATOR: That might work for you,
but what about the 48 million of your fellow Americans
living with hearing loss?
That's 15% of the population!
For those of us who rely on hearing aids, hearing loops,
and other assistive listening technologies, mics -
from handheld mics
to headset mics
to conference mics, and more -
aren't just "nice,"
they're a necessity to being part of the conversation.
As someone who organizes or facilitates meetings,
conferences, and other events, you set the tone.
Make sure it's an inclusive one by laying out
these guidelines at the very beginning.
♫ ♫ ♫
EVELYN: It's best to have at least two microphones
to better facilitate audience participation.
[overlapping conversations]
JAYESH: Shhh!
It's difficult to hear when multiple conversations
are happening at once.
NARRATOR: Encourage speakers to wait
until they have a mic
so that their entire statement is ---
EVELYN: --- heard.
Make sure that folks keep the mic
pointed directly at their mouth, not the ceiling,
and that they keep it about an inch away
so that they don't have to yell!
Don't be shy,
don't pretend that you're conducting an orchestra,
and don't mistake the mic for a gavel.
JAYESH: It will be easier
for the audience to follow along
if the speakers face them and look forward
when you talk to them.
♫ ♫ ♫
NARRATOR: When we make sure
that everyone uses a mic every time,
we all have an easier time hearing, understanding,
processing, and remembering what is said.
If someone hesitates, remind them
that it's important to have a conversation
that everyone can participate in.
ORGANIZER: The answer is clear.
To help folks hear -
- everybody!
ALL: Like the mic!
NARRATOR: Learn more at
RootedinRights.org/LikeTheMic
Produced by Rooted in Rights
in partnership with
the Hearing Loss Association of America.