Abstract: An amplified microphone assembly for increasing the intelligibility of transmitted speech and including a microphone element, an audio amplifier, an auxiliary power supply and a push-to-talk switch. The microphone element converts an audio signal to an electrical signal while the audio amplifier amplifies the electrical signal. The auxiliary power supply supplies power to the audio amplifier when the push-to-talk switch is actuated, at which time an audio signal from the amplifier is sent to a radio transceiver. The power supply is chargeable and includes a charging circuit for charging the power supply. A connecting cable connects the microphone assembly to a transceiver and includes an audio lead and two push-to-talk leads which place the transceiver in the transmit mode when the push-to-talk switch is actuated.