What should you do after keying your microphone on your radio?

Waiting a second or two before starting your message after keying your microphone on the radio is important for effective communication. This brief pause allows the radio transmitter to fully engage and ensures that the message will be transmitted clearly without cutting off the beginning. Keying the microphone initiates the transmit function, and if you start speaking immediately, it can lead to the first part of your message being lost, making it difficult for the recipient to understand the context or the content of your communication.

In many radio systems, there is a slight delay after pushing the transmit button before the equipment is fully capable of sending audio, commonly referred to as the "talk permit tone." This practice enhances clarity and ensures that vital information is not missed by the receiver.