How To use Props in Public Speaking

What is a PROP? A prop can be anything that can be handheld during a presentation or a speech. While giving a presentation, using props can be a great idea as you can grab audience's attention through them. Visual representations are surely a better way to prove your presentation skills as they can make a monotonous presentation/meeting more lively. Using props to improve visual attention to a speech isa common acceptable technique in various public speaking subjects.

Props are visual aids. They are significant as they add variety and help you to make your presentation memorable. Props help you in keeping your audience attentive throughout the speech and this is the main purpose of public speaking. Memory is another reason to use props while giving a presentation. People can keep in mind the images easier than words. Many a times we come across the situations where words are not sufficient to explain your public speaking subject and in such cases props are of great help. It is rightly said that 'A picture is worth a thousand words.'

Props must be used carefully and the speaker or the presenter must remember that they should not overshadow your speech but just play the role of engaging the audience and highlighting your points.

Below are some frequently used props. Let us see how to work with them in the most effective manner.

Overheads/Slide shows- Many public speakers use this prop in their speech however some of them also happen to misuse them unintentionally. The speaker should make sure not to be completely dependent on these props. If he reads word to word from the slides, they may become the focus for the audience due to which they may lose interest in the audience. The speaker should use these only as a supplement to make his points clearer to the audience.

White boards- Speaker/presenters giving speech or a presentation at smaller places may prefer using white boards. While using a white board remember that you write only a few words on each line using large font and no cursive writing.

Handouts- Handouts may or may not be considered as props by many people. Rather than being a helpful aid, handouts often turn out to be a source of distraction to audience if provided at the beginning of the speech. If you want to give handouts to the audience, then you must give it at the end of your speech. This would help in retaining the audience's attention and avoiding the shuffling of papers of having an audience busy in reading these handouts.

In case you have to give the handouts during your speech, then make sure that they are short and precised. Pause while the audience go through the handout and then tell them what you are going to discuss about it.

Small and Large Props- At times, it's vital or may be just fun to hold up pictures, magazines, or other small props to add interest of the audience to a topic. But small props can be used only in small rooms having an audience of 15-30 people.

However, if you're performing in a large venue, be wary of doing so, as the people in the back of the room will become frustrated because they cannot see your props.

In larger places having a huge audience these small props may not be visible to all and may become a cause of frustration. At such places you must use lager props such as model of a building or a car etc.

Whether using a large prop or a small prop make sure that it is placed in such a manner that everyone can see it and it does not upstage you.

A FEW TIPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH PROPS

If used incorrectly, props can ruin your presentation rather than developing it. Here are some practices that may help you with using props:

Moving parts of the prop must be checked properly and it should be ensured that they are working in the manner we want them to.
Keeping your prop(s) out of sight until you're going to use it to intensify the element of surprise and ensures you to get the maximum impact.
Props should always be large enough to be visible to the audience.
Assess your level of ease with using a particular prop. If you are not comfortable with the prop, you may not be confident in public speaking.
Practice your speech/presentation beforehand to become smooth in using the prop.
Props, if used appropriately can add significantly to a presentation by making it more joyful, understandable, logical and memorable for the audience.

The author of this article, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal is a trainer at 'Anurag Aggarwal Institute of Public Speaking' and provides training in Public Speaking, Personality Development and Presentation Skills. In this course you will be trained in all those things which are stopping you from growing in your career. This Public Speaking Course is the best course for all those who have problems regarding their communication skills, interacting with people and in presenting themselves in front of public.

'Anurag Aggarwal Institute of Public Speaking' provides public speaking training on under which the following areas are covered--

1. Public Speaking

2. Personality Development

3. Presentation Skills

4. Communication Skills

Why You Should Not Seek Perfection in Public Speaking

When you have a job at hand, is your goal to do it perfectly or to the best of your ability? Be honest with yourself in answering that question because, in public speaking, it could mean the difference between a dynamic presentation and one that is so-so.

Without a doubt, there are some things I want done perfectly - like the surgery on my dog's eye to remove a large cyst or the adding of numbers when I do my taxes. When I was a child, my mother taught me to sew and we made identical dresses with a striped pattern. I can't tell you how many times she had me rip out the seams until I had matched the stripes perfectly. I know this was one of my best lessons in life.

There are other things, however, in which seeking perfection will thwart your success. Any type of live performance, be it on a stage, the football field or a baseball diamond, is subjective. Who is to say that the game, the concert, or the play is perfect? What I may think is perfect may not be what you think is perfect. In that sense, seeking perfection is a waste of time.

If you want to be able to speak and do it well, I suggest you:

1. know your material inside and out (which you have practiced out loud over and over and over again);
2. speak with emotion, with life, and with passion;
3. make eye contact with your audience;
4. breathe; and,
5. believe in yourself.

When you can incorporate those 5 rules into your delivery, you will then be achieving the best you can do. What this means is that you will give an excellent speech or presentation. No, it will not be perfect. In fact, you will probably make a mistake or two. Remember, your audience is not looking for perfection from you: your audience is looking for a great message that inspires or motivates or persuades them.

Deliver your message just as if you were having a conversation in your living room and you will be creating an intimacy with them that is not possible if your material is memorized or read from a script. Watch those who are really skilled at public speaking and you will see that they all share that one characteristic in common. They treat their listeners as if in conversation and they don't worry about a couple of mistakes.

Next time you are scheduled to speak, stop fretting over the unattainable and seek that which is easier to accomplish and much more dynamic in the long run.