How should you speak into the radio?

• A. One inch from the mouth, straight ahead.
• B. Six inches from the mouth, slightly above.
• C. Two inches from the mouth, slightly to the side.
• D. Four inches from the mouth, to the side.

Answer: (C)

Speaking into the radio with the mic at about two inches from your mouth and slightly to the side gives you the cleanest, most readable transmission. This distance keeps your voice loud and clear without creating pops or breath noises that come from being too close, and it avoids the muffled sound you get when you’re too far away. Angling a bit to the side helps reduce breath hits and wind noise while still letting the mic pick up your voice evenly.

If you place the mic too close or straight on, you’ll notice more distortion and plosive sounds from breaths. If you’re too far away, your words may come out quiet or with more background noise. Four inches to the side is farther than ideal and can reduce volume, while six inches is typically too far for a crisp signal. Maintain the same distance and speak in a steady, normal voice, keeping the mic directed toward your mouth and not covered by your hand.