How do I avoid echo, low mic volume, or muffled sound?

Start by confirming the correct device is selected is selected in your Operating System and application. When joining a Teams or Zoom meeting, remember to explore the speaker and mic settings. It may be that although your headset may be plugged in and recognised by your PC, the settings in Teams or Zoom are using the built-in microphone on your PC or laptop.

Place the boom mic slightly off-centre and pointing towards the corner of your mouth. Also, if you notice that your words are being muted, remove any damp or deteriorated foam lining on the mic. If sounds of the meeting are coming out of the laptop or PC speakers, then change your settings so they're coming out of the headset, or at least lower the speaker volume or disable any second audio device. A PC headset with microphone may also have side tone settings – too much can sound like an echo.

Within Teams and Zoom it is possible to run a test call and hear what you sound like, so after each change you can note down what worked to understand if you’re heading in the right direction.