Fortunately, we've moved beyond the time when the primary method of professional communication revolved around video calls on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. These services propelled Zoom into prominence, but they also sparked issues related to self-image and body consciousness for many users, exposing the necessity for high-quality webcams and microphones.
A study from Yale University showed that a subpar microphone and inferior sound quality significantly affect a person's employability, diminishing the perceived credibility of the speaker compared to another candidate using a quality microphone that delivers clear, distortion-free audio.
“Superficial auditory characteristics can profoundly influence higher-level social evaluations,” the research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences states. The findings suggest that poor sound quality leads to reduced perceptions of intelligence, suitability for hiring, reliability, and even romantic attractiveness.
How the Study Was Conducted
In their experiment, researchers replicated the impact of bad microphone quality on voice recordings to evaluate listener reactions. The results consistently indicated that unpleasant audio have a negative effect on the speaker's impression, regardless of how articulate the words were.
The study included six separate experiments where participants listened to two versions of the same voice recordings: one with a high-quality microphone and another mimicking the defects of a poor microphone, while still maintaining discernible words.
When participants were asked to assess the employability of candidates or evaluate sales pitches, they consistently preferred the voices that were clear and rich. Those behind such recordings were viewed as more competent, credible, and desirable for hiring.
Time to Upgrade Your Microphone
“This is both intriguing and alarming, especially since your vocal clarity is influenced not only by biological factors but by the technology you use,” states Brian Scholl, the senior author of the study and a psychology professor at Yale.
Researchers emphasize that during video calls, especially critical situations, users may be aware of their visual appearance but often lack knowledge of how they sound to others. Consequently, it's wise to check microphone quality through recorded samples and, if feasible, upgrade to better audio equipment.
Alternatively, users can change the input method from their computer's built-in microphones to external devices. For instance, connecting an Android phone as a webcam for video calls using simple plug-and-play technology. This also allows for better audio input via connected wired or wireless audio equipment.
