Today, let’s tackle a common issue that might be affecting your podcast without you even realizing it: mouth noise. (Lip Smacking, mouth clicking, mouth clicks, tongue noise)
The Intricacies of Mouth Noise
You know that feeling when someone eats too close to your ear? My brother and I used to torment each other this way. Well, believe it or not, some podcasters unintentionally subject their listeners to similarly cringe-worthy mouth noises.
According to a University of York survey, about 71% of podcast listeners are using headphones. That means your voice is right in their ears, along with any pesky mouth noises.
Mic Noise vs. Mouth Noise
Before we dive in, let’s clarify – we’re not talking about mic noise. Mic noise is pops, sibilance, air, or other sounds caused by mic misuse. Mouth noise, on the other hand, is the natural noise your mouth makes, which can become amplified when podcasting.
Identifying the Culprit
The most common mouth noise is lip-smacking, sometimes accompanied by a wet lip-smacking sound or a tongue click. I know, it can get pretty cringy. These noises can distract your listeners and even become the sole focus, overshadowing your content.
Realizing the Issue
I recently worked with a fantastic professional speaker who, despite having great mic technique on stage, discovered a mouth noise issue when podcasting. We identified a persistent clicking sound in her solo recordings, and we knew it couldn’t go unnoticed.
Finding Solutions
To fix it, we had to pinpoint the source of the noise without it becoming a confidence-killing distraction. Here’s how you can do it too:
1. Test Your Mouth Moisture
Different mouth noises may require varying levels of mouth moisture. Practice keeping your mouth open a bit more or try smiling while talking to reduce lip-smacking. Experiment with different liquids to find what works best for you.
2. Conduct Tests
Hit record and listen. If mouth noise persists, try a drier mouth. If that doesn’t work, drink some water and test again. Experiment with different liquids to determine your ideal mouth moisture for a clean, lip-smack-free recording.
3. Learn from Experience
My client found an unconventional solution – drinking wine before recording eliminated 90% of the clicks. However, since wine isn’t a sustainable solution, we explored other options. Certain juices with a similar viscosity did the trick.
Podcasting Pro Tip
Remember, distractions like mouth noises can pull your listener away from your message. By addressing these issues, you keep your audience focused on your content rather than counting distracting sounds.
Lip Smack Kiss-Off!
I hope this tip helps you overcome any mouth noise challenges you may be facing. Stay tuned for more actionable advice to enhance your podcasting game.
