Performing with a hand held microphone can be different if you don't use them often. After watching performances and performing with one recently, I have these tips for you.
First off every microphone's cone is different. When I say cone I'm talking about how it picks up sound. Some have a larger cone than others and some you have to hold closer to your mouth than others. Try and figure out where you have to hold it before you perform.
If there's no prep time then you'll have to figure it out when you get up there. If it sounds really loud pull back. No one wants to be blasted with sound. I've seen it happen: A performer is singing and doesn't bring the microphone back when they go for a high note or louder and the audience is then blasted by this wave of sound. Please, pretty please for me pull back. Loud and good are not the same. When it comes to singing.
Also if you have to share a microphone with multiple people don't hold the mic right up to your mouth. I know all the pop stars look like they're eating the microphone but do you really want everyone else's germs? Seriously. Avoid eating the mic at all costs.
Also it's not necessary with all microphones to hold it right by the mouth piece. With some it actually interferes with the sound. So I'd hold it in the middle if possible and if you do end up holding it by the mouthpiece it's not the end of the world.
