Microphones: questions and Band 8 answers

Hardly ever in my daily routine, to be honest, unless you count the built-in one on my mobile phone. I mainly use that for sending voice notes to my flatmate or catching up with family over video calls, rather than speaking into a standalone mic.

Yes, a couple of times. Back at university, I had to give a presentation in a massive lecture theatre, so I was handed a lapel mic. It felt a bit daunting at first hearing my voice booming across the room, but I soon got used to it.

Not really, I'm quite self-conscious about my singing voice! I did go to a karaoke lounge with some colleagues a few months ago, and while they were belting out pop songs, I preferred cheering from the sofa and holding a drink instead.

I did, actually. My parents bought me a toy cassette recorder with a plastic microphone attached for my eighth birthday. I used to spend hours pretending to be a radio presenter, interviewing my younger sister and recording our silly stories.

I don't think so, because I don't really have a practical need for one. Unless I suddenly decide to launch a podcast or take up voice acting, the standard mic on my laptop does the job perfectly well for casual online meetings.