Mic-Shy Is REAL! My Ham-Radio Cure
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- I have a technique that will STOP your Mic Shy in one easy-to-remember technique. The other technique is operating in contests, that normally solves it too. See what you think. Callum, M0MCX.
More videos:
• Antenna Modelling Antenna Modelling
• Tips and Tricks Tips and Tricks
• Antennas Antennas
• Live Streams Live Streams
• Commander World My Stuff
• Foundation Training Ham Radio Training
This is such a great subject. There are so many potential hams that are put off and intimated to actually key up. I think when I hear that repeater Ka-chunk "is that someone too shy to talk? Well done man.
Ah yes, the ker-chunk people!
One of my Elmers tells the story of his first time on the air after getting his license in the 1950s. After weeks of waiting for his license he was too nervous to even try for another 2 weeks. Finally he got up the courage to call CQ, and call and call and call. After he was about to give up for the night he heard someone come back with his callsign. He panicked, turned off the radio, and walked away from it. Didn't try again for another month.
Goodness me! Oh well, hopefully he "fixed" it :)
@@DXCommanderHQ By the time I met him he had earned DXCC, so I'm pretty sure he got over it.
Thanks Calum. I'm one of these guys that really doesn't have a lot of XP rag chewing, and sometimes I can't think of something to say and stumble over words. Thanks for the tips.
Glad to help!
Thanks, Callum. I find that ham radio helps with a speech impediment I developed probably as a result of having gone through chemotherapy some years ago. It's basically just a kind of verbal anxiety but it has a way of shutting down my speech from time to time. With ham radio I can talk more freely, not worry about the subject and talk about a shared interest with the fellow on the other end of the radio. After a while it becomes almost automatic, but it never gets old. And the friendly camaraderie does the heart good for those of us stuck in lonely retirement.
Nice comment. Good luck!
When using the radio (especially Echolink) I run into the same thing sometimes. I usually ask for a signal clarity report, ask about the time of day, the weather in their area, what they do, and what they like to do in their area. Guys always like to talk about the weather, for some reason!
I also make notes, to refer back to: especially their names & call sign! (I am terrible with remembering that!?)
But, If I make a friend. I can call back, and have something to talk about, next time. Hello Fritz, how is your dog Suzie doing?
Remembering details brings people closer. 😃🐶
Nice one Chris!
I think for a lot of people, or me at least, there’s a worry that they’re going to start talking about some really complicated radio thing I know nothing about, like an ultra-quad-beam-delta-x2000-super loop-honey nut loop-yagi full force Jedi antenna. I find it pays to be honest and I write what I can down, and say something like ‘I’m quite new to radio and don’t know that antenna, so I’ve taken notes and I’ll look it up later and learn something new, thanks’, and that’s something you can write in your log and mention when you QSO again.
Or do what I do and just say, "Er OK - sounds like fun - I only have a DX Commander here!" LOL :)
Nicely done Callum. This is a very useful series for newbies and returners. Returners like me are rusty in technique and if you haven't picked up a mic for 20 plus years, it's just like picking one up for the first time.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is great advice. I also had horrible mic fright, what got me over it was SOTA. I took my HT up to the nearest 1pt summit and called CQ on the 2M calling frequency and had tons of people clamoring to talk to me. It feels like everyone in the Bay Area wants to talk to a station on summit.
Good plan!
I can second this plan, as this is exactly what I did too. It was literally the first time using my licence
Thank-you Callum. Good advice. I hope I'll get a chance to us it on you.
I love this one Cal... Yep... I'm playing my drums!
Even after about 20 years beeing Ham Radio... Few time I'm still shy or stuck front of the mic! The best way to break that mind for me is the Contest! That's kick my...
--... ...--
-.. .
VA2BOY or VA2BS
That's it!
Thank's Callum, Being new to the hobby, I have mic shy and always get the call signs the wrong way around, so what I have done is have a post it notes, on it, I have Him/Me. I also have lots of paper and write stuff down, it does help but I suppose it's just practice, practice, and more practice..
Yes, practice is the key.
Great tip. I work with a lot of new hams who get their 2-meter rig and all you ever hear out of them is "This is K2XXX, radio check." When you answer them, give them their "radio check," and then try to engage them in any other conversation, they just disappear. If you're lucky they'll say have a nice day and sign off. Sometimes, not even that, they just disappear. To me, they just don't know what to say.
Ah. I didn't know..
I got to sit with an elmer for a contest, that was a riot. He was pretty good at it. After that I got to run a little net for my club's activation, so it was all people that I knew and I had a task to complete. From there it was all gone. One of your early videos said "have some personality when you call CQ" and I do that now... I try to rhyme, I make a joke... its about being heard, not about following some rulebook made 80 years ago.
Rulebooks STeve! Oh yes :)
I've been licensed for almost 10 years. I think I'm going to start calling CQ tomorrow. Haha I'm not that bad. Thanks for the video
Best of luck!
Great one Callum. What helped me was to talk slowly and clearly so I could be understood the first time.
Excellent!
Mic fright is real.
Great video man
I've been a Foundation Call in Sydney Australia for over 15 years and run a Icom IC-7100 Mobile for HF. I listen in on a couple of HF Nets in the morning covering Eastern Seaboard of Australia. Listening to VK1, VK2, VK3 and VK4 Stations mostly with the occasional DX Stations from Europe and the U.S.. On 10watts I don't make many contacts . . . spending mot of my time listening to the conversations going on . . . but it is a nice feeling when you occasionally key up on a good day and get a reply from a station runing 200watts and your only pushing 10watts lol
Yes, I can imagine. Good work!
Sometimes I’m mic shy and most of the time my signal is poor. Have a better set up and hope to start talking on the radio. Feel I’ve had my license too long to not have had my first contact. Thanks for the video!
You can do it!
Calum, You’re exactly correct. I’m a person of few words normally. Giving out the basics makes a QSO much easier. Then every now and then you get the person who want to have a rag chew. They’re very well intentioned and sometimes there’s a feeling of guilt if you try to rushing the conversation.
73 W1LBM
Indeed Lloyd, but all you need say is, "I do want to see who else I can get" or "Need to get off now, XYL calling". But I agree - we've had this a couple of times too on the Live!
I'm thankful to you sir for your wise words of wisdom and I've gotten over mic shyness I'm now trying to get contacts thanks very much Callum M7INT
You got this!
@@DXCommanderHQ I was just talking on my local repeater.
Great video Callum for new HAM’s like me. Keep up the great work 😊
I needed this 👍
73 de M5PM 🇬🇧
Ben not waffling this time - much better.
HAHA Tom!! :)
When I talk to hams from around the world I am always courageous and talk freely but when I have to talk to hams from my country, I always get nervous, especially on repeaters. I am a shy person myself but it seems that talking in English gives me more confidence for some reason.
Ah! OK :)
Ah yes we all go by a beat of a different 🥁 drum. Thanks Callum for the sage advise of just be polite and follow their lead and great contacts will be made. 73 Vic de KE8JWE
It looks easy, short and sweet, just like saying hello to someone while out walking, but my brain doesn't see it like that. I am an introvert and have anxiety issues.
We can cure it.. It's a "machine" thing. Do it often and it just goes. I promise.. :)
Watching your power metre is good advise…..I have a friend who speaks quietly, I do his head in constantly asking to up the mic gain haha………Taking part in a competition can be a good way of getting over ‘mic shy’ as the QSO’s are the same format, plenty of operators on air and the ordeal is over before your nerves get the better of you.
Contests are an excellent way of getting over mic-shy. Agreed!
To this day I still have problems with mic shy and I am G1, but sit me down in front of a mic in a contest and I am away and running, I think that's why I love digital modes so much because of the structured Qso and not Making my self sound like a complete idiot.
Structure. I think that helps too.. Agreed.
Another G1 here, and yes, I do a lot more listening than I do talking, and I'm another one who takes advantage of contests just to make contacts without having to have a conversation, though I don't actually take part in contests myself.
Thanks for that, Callum. Much appreciated.
Any time!
Hi Calum great content today. We all go through that when we get our license. I enjoy working parks on the air for that very same reason just to get on and get off , Do you the fact the way the propagation has been lately.
WD5ENH
Steve
73
Great little vid Callum...spot on. In my military life it was the same only we said Hello and This is...Hello T31 this is T31A ... message...and either over or out ...simples
Ah! Interesting!
Exceedingly helpful, thanks Callum!
Ah. Thanks!
All this sounds obvious but it isn't to a new Ham with mic shyness so great advice!👍 I'll wager those same people reluctant to pick up the mic and talk will think nothing of making a phone call to a complete stranger, to a shop or service provider for example, to place or discuss an order or item, the difference being they know more or less exactly what they're going to say. For some, getting past the "handshake" on your first QSO can be almost as big an obstacle as passing the exam but after a few contacts you'll wonder what all the fuss was about!😀
Indeed.. You read between the lines :)
Good stuff. I always worry about whether I have my audio adjusted 'properly' as well :) But to your point, jump in, the water is fine! 73s
Exactly!
I was always told to say the other persons call first so I’ll get their attention so you know they’ll be listening for your call if you do it the other way around they might miss your call anyways Callum good stuff as usual and I’ll grease my ears to get to the kitchen for dinner 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎de W9US
Enjoy dinner!
I think this is why FT8 is popular, you don't have to say anything! Mike Shy was a mate of mine ...
You know, I was thinking that..!
Greatly done Cal
Tnx!
Nice one Cal. Even a relatively experienced Ham will sometimes get flustered and become "mic shy", particularly after a lay off caused by circumstances! Jim M7BXT
Very true Jim!
I've never been able to speak in front of more then 3 or 4 people. I thought radio would help me a bit so after decades of procrastinating about getting my license, I got my technians license in February and then my General in May. Loved the Gordo books and all the study.
I've maybe transmitted 10 times on DMR and FM on my HT. I also have an IC 7300, I haven't made one call yet, just listening and fumbling around learning about this monster Icom. It interests me to no end but I'm not planning on contesting or any of that. Eventually I'd like to do some DXn' and definitely learn CW once I move back on land and have room for some better antennas.
Thanks for the tips, I think I'll try Tx next time I pull the end fed wire up my mast.
Awe, OK friend. Well don't give up. Sounds like you have a plan. Very good!
Simple signal reports at 1st, keep is short, before you know it your confidence has grown and you're rag-chewing until you burn out your rig haha
Well said!
Cal i wanna say 100 whiskeys or less should be considered qrp i dont know why really ❤😊thanks for video
Perfect video
Glad you enjoyed it
Great words callum. Motters M7TRS 73 👍🏻
Many thanks!
Great info M7ABC! :)
I just hope my signal meter is never on the "fritz" haha!
I hope so too!
..it also helps not to give 2 f#ck$ or as the Americans say, "don't sweat the small stuff". Useful also Callum to keep a list of topics handy, in case you do freeze. That can be very useful. Great video from a lifelong mic-shyness sufferer.. John EI5JS
Good point!
The talking loud is such good advice. Especially for the ones that tend to tail off at the end of each sentence. Jack K5FIT
Yeah, we both hear that Jack..!
Listening so much on the 11 meter... watching youtube movies... (Fred in the shed, Kate 26 CE 01, Mower Junkie, and others who are in for DX contacts) and then finally taking the jump...
Responding on a clubmember... and what happens... everything went wrong (in my opinion.)... but happy i finally took the jump to say hello to the clubmember. Listening is good... (learning) but become (more) active on the 11 meter is beter (learning faster) I thought it would be a lot easier... 😁 Yes... mic-shy is real...
Ah-ha.. OK, good luck.. Stick to a script and just say what you think..
Thanks a Stack Callum, just such 'Simple' Super helpful information, As Always..... You are always so practical in your approach and offer selflessly your experience ..... Thanks Again, Very Best to Youand Yours from ChCh, NZ .... Keith .... WR2451 / KK2451
Happy to help Keith!
That's exactly what MIKE shyness is. KEY shyness is the opposite. Key shyness is worrying about what the OTHER guy is going to say, because the shyness is about your ability to copy, not to send.
You can be a great CW sender, but still have trouble decoding what they send. It gets worse with the quality of their fist. I've keyed out a decent CQ, then had someone on a straight key come back whose code I could only decipher about 12% of. I can't even tell if he sent me a signal report or the local temperature. Was that Scottsdale, or Saskatoon? Did his call start with an N, K, W, A, or was that a VE, or a VK? Now your stress is oscillating more than your signal, so you sloppily tap out "sry QSB", turn off the rig, and just sit and shake for a while, then go make a sandwich.
I'm speaking from experience here. That was an actual QSO I almost had. I still don't know if the poor, misunderstood gent was in California, Canada, or Kenya.
So I'm working on my copying now. Sending is ok, I just need to know what the bloke is SAYING! And that's my key shyness.
Ah yes. Making a sandwich cures many things!
Your experience is why I'm reluctant to call CQ on cw. When someone thinks they are calling CQ by sending what my ears hear as "T R M A", I don't answer. It's too taxing to guess what they might be sending. 🤔
Thanks, Cal.. A penny has just dropped with me and I will now grab the mic with renewed vigour 🙂👍 73
Excellent!
This is why I'm almost exclusively digital.
I've heard the callsign order described as being like a Christmas present label 🔖
To: ...
From: ...
That's a great way to remember, thanks!
That's fuсkіng awesome. I'll buy you beer after my first DX contact.
Do it :)
Some people may think 10 watts is pretty low power, it is not, so they may believe that they can not be heard and half try. I have been witness t one chap saying 'yeah he is 59+ running 1kw, he will not hear me on 10 watts...' You better believe 10 watts will make the trip, albeit, not 5/9+ but you will be heard if persistent. Some people are just shy people, they have to be lightly coaxed. One even said yeah I have a licence, I can transmit, but I do not know what to say to them. Mostly your call, name, radio report and maybe a location reference. I have never been mic shy, for those that know me on the radio hi hi , but I started off in CB so had a head start.
Lets hope all the shy operator's come on air and enjoy the start of solar cycle peak, then all you need to say is your call and 59...simples :D
Anyway SWL to 40m and looking for DX hi hi
Nicely put Jason!
This is where I'm at today!
You can do it!
@@DXCommanderHQ Thank you! I had a good chat to the club guys on Wednesday too - based on this vid.
This is me to a tea, I get tongue tied, mind goes blank and can never remember what to do or say. Its probably the main reason I usually only do only ft8
Yes OK.. Signal Report and name maybe - then bail out. But good luck!
I don't have a problem with "mic fright", I've got CW fright. Still haven't made a CW QSO. I think it's a fear of messing up in the middle of sending or brain lock up during the recieve. I'm not going to lose sleep over it, I'll do it sooner or later........maybe.
Oh yes, I have only ever had ONE CW contact and it frightened the living daylights out of me. Luckily, I happened to know his letters and he was from Swindon and I could copy that too!
I'm going through that at the moment aswell, especially because my listening still needs a lot of work... I have a CW-Buddy though, which helps alot. So with practice you get more familliar with how the structure of a qso works. The nice thing though when messing up, you can always blame it on qrm xD
Thats more good advice, not just to newcomers. For callsign order I think of telephone, you have to dial his number before you can say who you are.
Oh yes!
I have always been mike shy (except on stage) and that's why I usually stick to CW.
But if there is a rare DX I suddenly forget it. 🤣
Woo-Hoo!
My son is like this. In real life he is a lecturer in electronics. He has an intermediate licence but rarely comes on.
I haven't been a "Gabber" in life, I don't "Gab" on the radio. I lurk, Ya plenty of us. When they get going, Talking about how much they water their plants, What type of fingernail clipper they use for each toe. Reminds my of my mother at the "Back fence" having a "Chat"... Only can put up with that for so long. "The "Net" Anyway You really (I) don't want to join the gossip clubs. Amazes me Amateur is still going. Still I'm proud to be with a ticket. VHF/UHF and radio scanner listener. Basic toe in the water.
Nothing wrong with dipping your toes in periodically!
Remember getting my M6, I listened for ages before I got the courage to speak, strange isn't it?
Yeah, been there :)
very nice
Thanks
I'm shy haha 😄 not really but sometimes its hard work with stations.
I think I'm Mic-Shy because I'm a foreigner living in the UK. and I'm also running low-power 5W and no one hear me :D
Folks will hear you! You just need to key that microphone..
I went to school with Mike Shy.
Me too!
My first contact on cw was in the Azores, Back in 1989 I was key shy lol
de ve3tya
Wanted to hide under my desk... LOL
It happens to all of us.
P.S.
If you ever stranded in a lifeboat at sea. Just say CQ CQ CQ Lifeboats on the air......... And you'll have a pileup, You cant figure out lol.
And you'll wonder why you keyed the mic. lol
HAHA
I can't hear you I'm playing the drums in my head. 😆
Haha
Mic-Shy CB Radio 1979 got over it got a Ham full Licence stick your toe in your be OK and it will get easier Good Video
Toe in. That's it :)
Good video cal but I'd brush up your German accent 🤣🤣sounded like a Welsh Pakistani 🤣🤣🤣take care mate
My bad!! HAHA!
From Transylvania.
its easy to say 5/9 Again plse
I'd love to comment on this video but iv'e not got a clue what to say ;-)
You did just fine! :)
Alcoholism helps cure mic-shyness too.
Good point,
Sounds boring... 👀🤔💤
It is for old lags like you :)
Agree - another nice and useful video Cal. My tip (well works for me anyway), is to use QRZ or similar to look the person up before responding to a call. So I might say "Hi CN8YZ, good to copy you, I believe you are Yousef from Morocco, very nice to meet you - your signal report is XYZ etc". Tonight I tried this and got "Hi, Mark, very nice to meet you etc etc". So He had already looked me up, and I had looked Yousef up. May not work for all contacts, or quick contests etc, but I just think investing a few moments in looking up the contact normally makes them feel the contact is more personal. Not been in the game that long, so I might be talking bollox HA hA !! Mark, 2E0MSR.
Yes, I like that. On the other hand, sometimes I *WANT* to give out my details, and he beat me to it! LOL