Category: Guides

Posted on by

Megaphone Use Tips: How To Speak Effectively

Megaphone use tips concept: a man in a business suite holds a megaphone close to their mouth.

Having the best megaphones on the market won’t be as effective for you if you aren’t using them appropriately. It’s as much about how you project your voice as it is the megaphone’s ability to amplify it. You’ll also want to be mindful of which direction you’re projecting it, and how it affects those around you. To that end, we’ve compiled our top four megaphone use tips we think you should know about operating yours.

Megaphone Use Tip #1: How To Hold Your Megaphone

This is one you may remember us discussing before. A megaphone should be held right in front of your face when you’re ready to use it. You want your mouth to be close enough to the microphone so that it projects as much of your voice as possible. This will allow you to gauge the appropriate volume for your megaphone, and will improve sound clarity.

You may feel tempted to hold a megaphone at arm’s length or farther away from your face to limit how loud you are, but that’s not recommended. When you do that, your megaphone is less likely to pick up enough of your voice to even be heard at all. You may also find that holding the megaphone this way can become uncomfortable or cause it to shake, which can also negatively affect voice quality.

Megaphone Use Tip #2: Speak Clearly

Enunciation is important with a megaphone. Shouting or speaking too quickly can cause your voice to become distorted, which completely defeats the purpose! It’s often better to slow the cadence of your speech, speak clearly, and keep an even tone to your voice.

Megaphone Use Tip #3: Watch Where You’re Pointing

While it’s important to hold the megaphone close to the front of your face, you don’t want it pointing directly at the people in your audience. This can project too much sound on them, which can be uncomfortable or even damaging to their hearing. Instead, consider pointing your megaphone slightly above them or off to the side to limit direction exposure.

Megaphone Use Tip #4: Test Your Acoustics

This tip basically means that it’s a good idea to: understand how loud is loud enough, depending on your venue (indoor or outdoor); how well sound may or may not travel, depending on where you’re standing at that venue; the decibel range of your megaphone; and the number of people to whom you’ll be speaking. Don’t be discouraged if you find this requires more trial and error to get right. 

You can also speak to one of our knowledgeable megaphone specialists about their recommendations for how to use the models you currently own — or the ones we think you should purchase!

Selecting Your Next Megaphone

Now that you know how to use your voice properly, the next question is: do you need a new megaphone?
ThunderPower has a full lineup of exceptional bullhorn options that you can check out here — or give us a call to discuss any questions you may have about choosing the right one to fit your needs!

Posted on by

Coaches, Use These Sports Megaphones To Prevent Vocal Strain

A coach stands on the sidelines beside a blown-up image of a THUN-120 megaphone. Text reads, "Coaches, Save Your Voice. Use a Megaphone."

School’s back in session, and sports teams are gearing up for a new season! That means plenty of coaches across the country should be mindful of one thing: not losing their voice. If you’re a coach, we recognize how hard you must work to teach and mentor your players during practice and live events. But that shouldn’t come at the cost of your vocal chords and general health. While we strongly believe that sports megaphones are key to avoiding undue strain on your speech, we acknowledge that this isn’t the only solution you may need.

Why?

Megaphones fall under the category of noisemaker, which is usually banned from use during live game play. This means that while we can obviously share the benefits of using them during outdoor events and team practices, you’ll still need a plan for what to do when they aren’t an option.

We address some of those through the questions below.

Why Are Coaches’ Voices at Risk?

Hopefully you’re fortunate enough not to have experienced throat pain from yelling too much. Or, if you have, maybe you were wise enough to give your vocal chords time to heal before risking more damage. Either way, the reality is that vocal strain can affect coaches to different degrees depending on the sport, where it’s held, and how many people you’re trying to talk over. 

Basketball coaches arguably have it the worst. They’re indoors, in rooms that can get exceptionally loud, and unable to use sports megaphones during live games. But because they need to communicate with their team, and because “the pressure to perform often leads coaches to yell,” The New York Times notes how there’s “rarely a moment during a game when a coach can use a normal conversational voice.” 

Just how bad can vocal damage get?

Turns out, a lot. One coach even had to go in for two surgeries to remove polyps that formed in his throat.

Are There Home Remedies?

That same NYT article notes how many coaches who have accepted throat pain as part of their profession also rely on home remedies for treatment. These range from “daily cups of tea,” to “salt water in the morning and before games,” to Life Savers and cough drops. 

Some say they simply get used to straining their voices, although that’s not recommended.

What Other Options Do Coaches Have?

Besides home remedies, coaches can try to prevent throat pain from happening in the first place through the use of vocal training. Similar to how singers practice ways to protect their vocal chords, coaches can adapt by learning safer voice projection techniques.

Another means of curbing undue vocal strain is to measure how much coaches are using their voices. Researchers are looking at how to identify vocal fatigue through the use of a “soft, flexible, postage-stamp-sized device [that] comfortably adheres to the upper chest to sense the subtle vibrations associated with talking and singing.” That data is then shared with a smart device to “monitor their vocal activities in real time throughout the day and measure cumulative total vocal usage.”

Can Technology Help?

When it comes to live games, it looks like coaches need to be mindful of how they yell, how often they yell, and what vocal training or home remedies they prefer to soothe any discomfort. As for practice, that’s where technology can give them the upper hand.

While some coaches have been known to use microphones connected with wireless PA systems, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that our main recommendation is to use powerful sports megaphones.

What Sports Megaphones Does ThunderPower Offer?

ThunderPower maintains several megaphone models that coaches can use to train their teams. They include:

THUN-150

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 600 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 98 decibels (dB), with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.

The THUN-150 may be the smallest of ThunderPower’s sports megaphones, but it still packs a punch! It offers clear voice projection, options for a siren and whistle, a lapel microphone, adjustable volume control, and a convenient wrist strap.

THUN-120

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 800 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 100 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.

Shaped more like traditional sports megaphones, the THUN-120 offers a compact, lightweight design that’s reinforced by an industrial-strength chassis. Similar to the 120, it comes with a nylon carrying strap. 

THUN-250

Power: 25 watts.
Range: up to 1200 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 102 dB, with siren up to 118 dB.
Number of batteries: six (6) Cs.

This is one of the best medium-sized, long-range megaphones on the market, offering the same features as the previous models but with greater range and power.

THUN-450

Power: 35 watts.
Range: up to 1400 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 108 dB, with siren up to 120 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.

The THUN-450 is incredibly loud, and offers a detachable palm mic for added convenience.

Please note: batteries not included with these models, but we do sell them.

Do You Need Sports Megaphones?

If you’re in need of the best sports megaphones on the market when it comes to coordinating practice with your team, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at 877-782-7073 to talk about the units discussed above, and get answers to any questions you may have.

If you’d like an example of how we’ve helped teams in the past, check out our partnership with Pacific Rowing Club.

Posted on by

6 Essential Battery-Powered Megaphone Tips To Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard

A battery-powered megaphone, the THUN-450, has its major components labelled.

Whether you’re participating in a rally, coordinating an outdoor event, instructing students in an auditorium, or guiding players through drills on the practice field, megaphones and bullhorns are the best tools for getting your voice heard. To use yours effectively, make sure to review the following battery-powered megaphone tips — then let us know if you have any questions about the models we currently have available.

1. Speak Directly Into the Megaphone

Depending on the type of megaphone that you purchase, its microphone will either be built into the back of the unit or connected to it as an attachment. Operate both the same way by talking directly into their microphones — i.e., hold them as close to you as possible. 

Megaphones may be excellent at projecting sound, but those sound waves have to reach them first. More of them will when you limit the space between your mouth and the microphone. 

We’ve seen users who thought they could get away with holding their bullhorns at arms’ length, then learned very quickly how no one could hear what they were saying.

For an easy comparison, treat your megaphones like musical instruments.

2. Speak Loudly

Don’t lower your voice when you use a megaphone. Whispers or mumbling won’t be any better when they’re magnified, which means you need to talk with power and confidence to get the farthest, cleanest results. 

Let’s take it right back to that music analogy: the more sound you put in, the greater it projects.

Worried you’ll be too loud? Adjust the megaphone’s settings, not your voice.

3. Flip Your Batteries When Storing Your Megaphones

One trick that you might find handy for conserving the lifespans of your megaphone batteries is to flip them backwards in a unit prior to storage. This avoids the possibility of the unit being unknowingly activated if anything were to be placed on top or beside it that might press its talk trigger and drain the rest of its power. Just remember to leave yourself a note when it’s time to pull your bullhorn back out so that you or your coworkers don’t mistakenly think its batteries are already dead.

This tip helps avoid accidental alarm activation, too. And speaking of alarms…

4. Be Careful Which Buttons You Push

Not all megaphones are made the same, which is why ThunderPower designs theirs to be intuitive and user friendly. That said, it’s still a good idea to review all of the available functions and where they’re located, just so you don’t choose one that causes unnecessary commotion — like the megaphone’s siren.

Depending on the model, the siren may be activated with a switch beside the microphone, a toggle at the base of the pistol grip, or a button on the top handle. Always verify that yours is in the correct position before use.

5. Purchase Rechargeable Batteries

ThunderPower megaphones offer exceptional range and sound quality, which can require several AA or C batteries based on the model. Depending on how often you use these megaphones, you may find it more cost effective to purchase rechargeable batteries.

6. Consider Megaphones With Shoulder Straps

If you need bullhorns with a lot of power, but also plan to be on the move, you’d do well to look for units that come with shoulder straps. They make transporting these megaphones easier, and reduce the chances of having them misplaced or damaged. Plus, ThunderPower’s larger units also include palm mics, which allow you to continue using them while they’re still being carried.

Which Megaphones Do You Need?

If you’re looking to purchase new megaphones, here’s a breakdown of the units we currently offer, with links to each.

THUN-150: 15 watts of power and a 600-yard range, with voice amplification up to 98 decibels (dB) and siren at 112 dB. 

Recommended for: teachers, parade operators, event organizers, and tour groups.

THUN-120: 15 watts of power and an 800-yard range, with voice amplification up to 100 dB and siren at 112 dB. 

Recommended for: coaching, theater productions, school pickup and drop-off lots, as well as campus crowd control.

THUN-250: 25 watts of power and a 1200-yard range, with voice amplification up to 102 dB and siren at 118 dB. 

Recommended for: law enforcement, first responders, teachers, and coaches.

THUN-450: 35 watts of power and a 1400-yard range, with voice amplification up to 108 dB and siren at 120 dB. 

Recommended for: political rallies, outdoor festivals, and religious congregations.

THUN-1200: 45 watts of power and a 2000-yard range, with voice amplification up to 112 dB and siren at 122 dB. 

Recommended for: military training, firefighters, security, and massive gatherings.

Want More Battery-Powered Megaphone Tips?

Whether you’re looking for more tips about megaphones and bullhorns and how to maintain them, or you’ve got questions about any of our models, we’re here to help! Call us today at 877-782-7073.

Posted on by

Use These 3 Genius Strategies to Attract a Crowd

Use a bullhorn to attract a political crowd

Drawing a crowd is the whole objective behind presenting a position, statement, or platform. Politicians, preachers, and peddlers throughout history have needed to attract a crowd in order for people to hear their messages. And in many cases, the megaphone has been one of the most effective ways to attract a crowd. However, even with a megaphone in hand, what are some other strategies to draw a crowd?  Below are three of the most foolproof ways of bringing a crowd to your message:

Strategy One: Crowds Attract Crowds

The late evangelist, teacher and author, R.A. Torrey, once wrote:

“Get as many people to go with you as possible. Crowds draw crowds. There is great power in numbers. One man can go out on the street alone and hold a meeting; I have done it myself; but if I can get fifteen or twenty reliable men to go with me, I will get them every time.”

The famous preacher was correct. Crowds attract people, and using a voice amplification tool like a bullhorn is a great way to attract a crowd. It’s a sociological phenomenon that when people see other people gathering, their curiosity gets the best of them, and they are drawn toward the crowd to see what is happening.  People are just curious by nature and want to be in the know.

People also love to be entertained; be a part of the group and involved in a perceived conflict. Another great example to underline the power of this strategy is to think about businesses. If a restaurant is busy, it must be good and need to be tried. How about Barnes and Nobles? Half the people inside these stores aren’t buying a thing, they are just hanging out in comfortable chairs. This is a purposeful marketing strategy to attract a crowd that one day will actually buy something.

Another clever strategy for attracting crowds is to involve what are sometimes called, “rent-a-crowd.” Street preachers have used this trick for years, inviting Christian brethren to help draw crowds and invite others to participate.

Strategy Two: Turn Up the Music

Using live music to draw a crowd has been a trusty go-to strategy for more than 200 years. In fact, the famous street preachers George Whitefield and Charles Wesley were both musical prodigies and used the streets as open air chapels and musical street corner ministries. The Salvation Army picked up where Whitefield and Wesley left off, and “invaded” America with their “Six Hallelujah Lassies” in 1880. And the music doesn’t necessarily need to be professionally polished either. Hymns, ballads, dittys, duets, instrumentals – any kind of music played in the open air is great way to draw crowds.

Strategy Three: Use Trivia Questions to Pique a Crowd’s Interest

What is the largest freshwater lake in the world? Who is the Benedictine monk who invented Champaign?  How many furlongs are in a mile?

Catch you by surprise? Having trivia questions thrown at you is not only fun, it’s also a great way to draw a crowd, and keep them coming back. In fact, one of the most influential street preachers in history, Ray Comfort, is credited with being one of the first people to leverage this strategy. He would start every one of corner preaches by asking trivia questions to draw a crowd. He would also give a dollar to each person who answers correctly.

He pointed out that initially people are slow to gather because they are naturally wary of the man using a megaphone, standing on a box and giving away money. But once they realize he is giving away his own money for answers to trivia questions, their love for money takes over and they begin shouting answers. The sound of people shouting, laughing, and clapping is the kind of raucousness that lures curious people to join the crowd.

Posted on by

How to Choose the Best Size Megaphone for Your Needs

ThunderPower’s line of heavy-duty bullhorn megaphones are good tools to have around in many situations. From outdoor playing fields to indoor classrooms or even as part of an emergency preparedness kit, there are many times when having a battery powered megaphone can be a real asset. The truth is that almost all outdoor settings with groups of people and background noises are an excellent place for megaphones. Of course, the question of knowing exactly what kind of megaphone to use during specific events is important and can be a little confusing.

From Compact to Military Strength

ThunderPower Megaphones are lighter and louder than most off-the-shelf brands of megaphones, and because we offer a full line of megaphones, our customers have a nice variety of options from which to choose when they want their voices to be heard.

For example, the ThunderPower 150 Megaphone has a super compact design and only weighs 2 lbs. with batteries. However, it still has 15 watts of power to be heard more than 600 yards away, making this the perfect megaphone for day care centers or guided outdoor tours.

On the total opposite end of the spectrum is the ThunderPower 1200 megaphone. This megaphone is so powerful and so loud that we often refer to it as the “earthquake maker” because it will rattle the streets and shake the windows! With a full 45-watt power supply, the ThunderPower 1200 can be heard from more than 2,000 yards away! This megaphone is a favorite for military personnel and peace officers who need to control large crowds.

There are different megaphone sizes for different purposes. Here is the ThunderPower 450 Megaphone being used by a military officer addressing his troops.

Where Would You Use a Bullhorn Megaphone?

Other popular occasions where less powerful ThunderPower Megaphones could be incorporated include school camping trips, scouting jamborees, group hikes, and beach picnics. These activities will usually include 10 – 50 people scattered over a wide area, making communication through battery powered megaphones a perfect solution to communicate with everyone no matter how far they’ve wandered.

When involving yourself in protest rallies, political gatherings, or even religious congregations, more powerful Thunderpower Megaphones would be the best strategy. Typically, these kinds of gatherings involve hundreds or thousands of people and lots of surrounding noise could present the right conditions where and amplified megaphone should be used. This of course depends on the number of attendees, and the expanse over which they will be dispersed. The more ground to be covered, the more power you need behind your voice.

Megaphones are Suitable for Use Anywhere

The truth is making yourself heard is important, and so anywhere you need to be heard is a good place to use a ThunderPower Megaphone.  but it is important that you make sure that you are not going to be breaking any laws with the words you say or how loud you get.

For more information on ThunderPower Megaphones contact us today at 866-927-7955. ThunderPower Megaphones are exclusively distributed by Discount Tw-Way Radio