🎧 Effective communication (audio)

Effective communication requires that those receiving information from us can easily process it. I've been on way too many calls where you can barely hear the speaker due to echo, background noise, or other audio problems. Some things I've found helpful:

• Use a headset. This eliminates any possibility of feedback from speakers into the mic.
• Use a good noise-canceling/rejecting mic, especially in noisy environments. Some headsets (like the Sennheiser SC series) block background noise amazingly well. Good podcast mics (like the AT2020) are usually directional and block noise pretty well, especially when positioned close to your mouth.
• Use a Bluetooth headset with your phone that has noise blocking in the microphone. Most noise-canceling headsets focus on blocking background noise for your benefit. On calls, optimize for your listener's benefit.
• Pro tip: never use the speakers and mic in your laptop, even if it is a Mac.
• Pro tip 2: don't use speakerphone mode on your phone -- especially for group calls.

Don't be the one who disrupts a group call with crummy audio. You are a professional -- use professional gear.