How to Use a Megaphone

A megaphone, or speaking-trumpet, is designed to amplify and direct a speaker's voice in a particular direction. It is a cone-shaped hand-held device commonly used at sporting events, with larger models used by cheerleaders and smaller models used in the stands by fans. Thomas Edison exhibited a megaphone at the Paris Exposition, while crooner Rudy Vallee was often depicted singing into one. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Hold the megaphone several inches from your mouth with the small end toward you and the large end away from you.
2. Point the large end of the megaphone toward the crowd you wish to exhort.
3. Speak loudly or shout into the small end.
4. Wait for the crowd's response, then repeat Step 3 as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care of your voice when using a megaphone. Repeated shouting may strain your vocal cords and lead to laryngitis. If you find it difficult to get your message across with the amplification provided by the cone shape of the megaphone, you may want to consider using a bullhorn instead. See the related eHow "How to Use a Bullhorn" for more information.
• Do not point the large end of the megaphone directly at the ears of anyone standing close to you.
• Skill with a megaphone does not excuse you from respecting others' rights when using a megaphone in places outside of sporting events. While free speech itself is protected, courts usually rule against imposing one's words on others who are peacefully assembled.