The Megaphone

A megaphone is a cone-shaped tool that makes your voice louder. You speak into the small end, and the sound comes out the big end much louder. Cheerleaders, coaches, and lifeguards all use megaphones.

The History of the Megaphone

People have cupped their hands around their mouths to be louder for thousands of years. The first megaphone-like devices were simple cones or horns. In the 1670s, a scientist named Samuel Morland made a large speaking trumpet.

Thomas Edison also worked on improving the megaphone in the 1870s. Electric megaphones with batteries and speakers were invented in the 1900s. These are called bullhorns and are much louder than simple cones.

How Megaphones Work

A simple megaphone is just a hollow cone. When you speak into it, the cone focuses your sound waves in one direction. This makes your voice carry farther and sound louder.

Electric megaphones have a small microphone, a battery, and a speaker. The microphone picks up your voice, the battery powers it, and the speaker blasts it out much louder. Police officers and event organizers use electric megaphones to talk to large crowds.

Fun Facts

• The word megaphone comes from Greek words meaning great sound.
• Some megaphones can make your voice up to 30 times louder.
• Cheerleaders have been using megaphones since the late 1800s.

Did You Know?

Thomas Edison, who is famous for inventing the light bulb, also helped improve the megaphone.