How do we prevent feedback during speeches or panels?

Feedback occurs when a microphone picks up the sound coming from a nearby speaker, creating a loop that escalates into a squeal or howl. Prevention starts with proper speaker placement: the main speakers should be positioned in front of the microphones (not behind them) so the mics don't "hear" the PA system. This is the single most important factor.

Beyond placement, feedback prevention involves microphone selection (choosing directional mics that reject sound from the sides and rear), EQ tuning (notching out the specific frequencies where feedback wants to occur), and good gain structure (setting levels correctly so the system isn't working harder than it needs to). On a panel with multiple microphones, keeping unused mics muted or using an automatic mixer that attenuates inactive channels is critical. An experienced audio engineer manages all of this in real time during the event.