Obviously, it's important that the audience can hear the information that is to revealed, but do you feel it's necessary for participants to speak into a microphone throughout a routine? I'm just curious how different performers handle this.

Thanks
Josh

I think it is necessary, yes. The interaction with the participants and their reaction is a big part of the entertainment value of a show.
Very often the biggest laughs come from a remark a participant makes.
Also, when you say a humourous line in response to a participant, you need to make sure that everyone hears their words. Basically, they deliver the set-up to your punchline, and a joke only works if the set-up is clear to everyone present.

I also think it is a big turnoff for the rest of the audience when they know that the participant has said something, but could't hear it.

Thanks for the response.

Do you hand the participant their own mic, have them speak into a stationary mic, or do you hold yours up for them to speak into?