Great orators typically use a combination of their voice, body language and the story itself to capture the imagination of the audience. But some brilliant speakers also use props to hook their audience.
Props are a great way of visually representing something, a way of connecting with your audience and making your presentation overall, more memorable. You might have heard of the time when Bill Gates unleashed a bunch of mosquitoes on stage while giving a speech about malaria.
Props allow you to stimulate the senses; when you bring a physical prop it gives the audience an appreciation for the shape, weight, color or texture of the prop. The only caution here is to bring a prop that adds meaning to your speech. The prop should not distract your audience or take away from your speech.
Before you decide on using a prop for your next speech, consider these 5 simple questions:
- What message am I trying to convey?
- Is the prop linked and relevant to my overall message?
- Do I want to showcase an actual model or use a metaphor to convey my message?
- Will all the audience be able to see it?
- Does it add impact to my presentation?
Props are a powerful tool in any presentation, big or small. A good storyteller can use of props to entertain and engage their audience. Take a look at these TED speakers who have used props brilliantly.
For more ideas on delivering memorable speeches, take a class with us at Little Loudspeakers Academy.
– Prof. Anju Vriksha