Speaking Tips

Show and Tell, Adult Style

Need to use props, slides, or other visual aids in a speech or presentation? Here's a tip: it's not just what you show, but how you show it.

Cory Peterson, a banker and member of the Airdrie Discovery Toastmasters Club says, “Props can emphasize your message, add visual interest, and focus attention.” But, they're only as effective as your skill in using them,” he adds.

“Use something that's appropriate to the message, the audience, and the occasion. It should be clearly visible to everyone in the audience, which means it can't be too small. It should also be out of sight of the audience until you're ready to use it.

“It's also a good idea to use props that don't threaten to make you nervous or uncomfortable. For example, you don't want to take your dog, or any other pet, as a prop unless it's very docile. You wouldn't be able to focus on your speech properly because you'd be worrying about what the dog might do.”

Cory adds, “When it's time to show your prop to the audience, hold it to one side, not right in front of your body. If you're displaying it on a table or stand, stand off to the side and back a step. Pause for a moment after you display it, to give the audience a chance to grasp what you've put in front of them.”

“When you're finished with your prop, put it back out of sight with as little attention as possible. Or, you can move away from it and use body gestures to get back the attention of the audience,” says Cory.

Other Speaking Tips articles from Airdrie Discovery Toastmasters:

It’s Okay to be Nervous

Word Wise

How to Persuade Your Audience

How Should I Speak?

Making Introductions

Members of the non-profit Airdrie Discovery Toastmasters Club help each other learn to speak confidently, introduce other speakers, and more. For more information, visit our home page at: http://www.airdrie-toastmasters.com

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