North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What should you do if there are loud background noises when speaking on the radio?

1. Speak louder

2. Switch channels

3. Place the mic on your larynx

4. Repeat your message when it’s quiet

The correct answer is: Place the mic on your larynx

Placing the microphone on your larynx is an effective technique to ensure clearer communication in the presence of loud background noises. By positioning the microphone in this way, you minimize the impact of external sounds and enhance the sensitivity to your voice. This method can help transmit your message more clearly, as it captures the sound directly from your throat, reducing interference from the surrounding environment. Although other strategies can be beneficial in different contexts, they may not be as effective when immediate communication is necessary. Speaking louder might seem like a good idea, but it can actually create more distortion and make it harder for the receiver to understand the message. Switching channels could resolve the issue temporarily, but it may also lead to a delay in communication or the loss of important information if the conversation is ongoing. Repeating the message when it’s quiet is useful for clarity but doesn’t address the immediate need to communicate in real-time, especially in urgent situations. Therefore, the best approach when dealing with loud background noises is to utilize the microphone placement technique for enhanced clarity and transmission.