Using Music as a Background for your Speech

Here’s some interesting thoughts from Tom Antion on using music when you are talking in public. I agree with Tom, you must check on the regulations that cover playing music to an “audience”.

“Background music playing when participants enter a room is a great way to set the mood for a NO ZZZZZs meeting or event. It also makes you look like a more polished presenter. The proper selection of music gets people in the right mood and adds a touch of drama to the presentation.

You can also use music when the participants are leaving to give them a
pleasant atmosphere as they exit. Avoid turning music on or off suddenly. It should always fade in and fade out slowly.

When selecting music, generally you would pick upbeat music for upbeat presentations and slower music for more serious ones. This is very subjective, but not usually too critical unless you’re the type who would play loud rock music at a retirement home. If you have no clue how to pick music, get some expert help or buy music designed for presentations from a training supply company that has labels that tell you when to use it.
If you are on a tight budget and can’t arrange for professional sound equipment, don’t worry. In small rooms a decent boom box will suffice. If you are in a larger room, you can put the microphone that will be used for the
presentation in front of the speaker of the boom box. This will send the music through the room’s sound system.
BIG WARNING: DO NOT PLAY COPYRIGHTED MUSIC WITHOUT THE
PROPER LICENSING OR YOU WILL BE SORRY. THE MUSIC POLICE WILL
GET YOU”.

Public Speaking: Background Music via Great Public Speaking by Tom Antion