How to Use Props

Learning how to use props* effectively and appropriately is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a speaker. You want to make your presentation the best you can. You want it to 'zing'. And that's just what getting to know how to use props will do for you.

Think of it this way. Which of these alternatives is more effective? Would you rather hear about a holiday in Mexico? Or would you rather hear about the holiday and see a few carefully chosen photographs and a sombrero?

Here's one more example. Try explaining something like the current weather patterns,or the fluctuation of the US dollar over the past year without using either diagrams or graphs. It's tough. It's not impossible but it is definitely a challenge.

When you learn how to use props as part of your speech, you are giving your audience so much more. They add value.

The Main Benefits of learning How To Use Props are:

• Clarity - You reduce the number of words you have to use to explain a concept or event. Remember that old saying, 'a picture is worth a thousand words'? Now think of the work a well drawn graph or diagram does. Or what an aptly chosen photograph does to show a current event. The Hurricane Katrina pictures are an effective example. The devastation and misery wrought by the winds and flooding didn't need words. We saw and in seeing, felt it.



• Credibility - You become more believable through your audience seeing something to reinforce your words. Another old saying says it for us like this: 'Seeing is believing'. When we add 'show' to 'tell' our credibility rating soars.

Does this mean every speech needs props to make it more effective? The short answer is, No. The longer answer is to consider carefully the nature of the speech you're preparing and its content.

Ask yourself: What could I show (or demonstrate) that would add value for my audience?
Obviously, your answers will vary hugely. Do add any time or financial constraints into your decision making process. It takes time to prepare props to use effectively. It may take money as well. Weigh up the pros and cons before going ahead. If you don't have time, simplify your plans. It is better to have a few simple well presented props than a grand incomplete scheme. You may even decide that this time, props are not for you.

What Can I Use as a Prop?

Absolutely anything at all!

However before you get too excited consider:

• Whether or not your intended prop fits your topic. Something brought along merely because its interesting or a novelty needs to be left at home. Props should not divert from the purpose or scope of your speech. If they do, they are irrelevant and could undermine your credibility as a speaker.



• The suitablity of the prop for your audience. Think carefully before showing shocking photographs or any material that may offend even if it fits within the theme of your speech.



• The monetary value of the prop. Some things are too valuable to shift around without making the necessary arrangements with your insurance company. If you are willing to do that, good. If not, perhaps photographs or a video tape will suffice.



• The emotional value of the prop. Are you willing to take responsibility for having very special items on show?



• The suitablity of your prop to the venue you are using. For example: If it's a huge hall, will your small collection of miniatures actually be seen when you hold them up? Think about the setting before committing yourself to a particular prop and shaping your speech around its use. In this example close-up photos might be better than the real things.

And NOW... How to Use Props!

• How to Use Props Tip One: The best way is to integrate them into the body of your speech. It is more effective to show and tell as you go, rather than wait to the end of your speech and then show. By then your audience may have forgotten why it is they are looking at your graph, photograph or grandmother clock!



• How to Use Props Tip Two: Use clear descriptions of each item you use. Give enough information to satisfy interest without going on too long.You do not want to stop the flow of your speech by dwelling on one aspect.



• How to Use Props Tip Three: Less IS more. Choose the BEST examples of whatever you've got to show. Less is more effective. Don't clutter an audience's minds with too many to take in.



• How to Use Props Tip Four: Test before committing yourself to their use. Be sure the prop works in the venue. For example: If it's big, can it fit through the door,or on the stage ?



• How to Use Props Tip Five: If you're using any electronic equipment to show photographs, graphs etc, test it beforehand. Leave yourself enough time to familiarize yourself with how to operate it properly or to fix any problems you may find.



• How to Use Props Tip Six: If you're reliant on someone else to operate equipment, be sure to rehearse fully with them. Give clear instructions about precisely what you want done, when. Have all your material in the right order ready for them. Prepare a 'cue sheet' for them to follow.
  Example:
  

  Cue 1 ='...reading rates across 11 - 13 year olds has fallen in the last decade. Research shows...' Graph 1 on screen.
  Cue 2 ='...however reading recovery schemes have been implemented in some states with some success...'Graph 2 on screen.
  

  When the operator hears the cue, they will bring up the right image.




• How to Use Props Tip Seven: If you have a range of props to use throughout your speech, put them in order. Label them if necessary. Arrange them so they are easily picked up, put down and not in either your or your audience's way.



• How to use Props Tip Eight: If you are demonstrating as well as showing, test and retest to make sure what you are doing is effective.
  (What's the difference? Demonstrating is active. You are doing something. Showing is passive. You are holding something up to be looked at.
  Example:
  'Here's a remarkably easy drawing technique. I start here...' And the speaker does it on a drawing board in such a way to be visible to the audience.
  'Here's the result of a drawing exercise...' And the speaker holds up his drawing pad to display the completed exercise.
  The first is active and the second is passive.)
  NB. When you demonstrate, the key is simplicity. Keep everything you do to a minimum. Think of how a live cooking demonstration is shown on television. Every aspect is prepared beforehand. The movements of the cook are clear and they've rehearsed their speech to fit precisely what they're doing so the audience can follow easily.



• How to Use Props Tip Nine: Thinking of using a live animal or pet? Think very carefully.
  How will they respond to the stress of being moved?
  How will they react to an unfamiliar place with lots of people?
  Do you need a minder to look after them while you're talking?
  If you do decide to go ahead, think every aspect out ahead and plan accordingly. Be real in your evaluation.



• How to Use Props Tip Ten: Sometimes our props need other people to demonstrate them. If that's the case for you, those people need to be part of your rehearsal process. They need to know what you're going to say, how you want them to react, where you want them to be on the stage (or where ever you're presenting), when you want them to come on and when to leave. And if you're going to have children taking part, make doubly sure they know what they're doing! Kids on stage with you can be great fun but the reverse is true too. It's up to you to make them feel at ease and confident about what you've asked them to do. Make it safe for them as well as yourself.

In summary, learning how to use props well will enhance how the audience receives your speech. It can give it the 'zing' factor.

On a personal note I coached senior high school students( 17-18 years) through major end of project speeches for several years. At the school I was teaching in each student chose a topic or theme to explore in depth over the course of their final year. They were expected to examine their subject theoretically, practically and artistically. The process had a written component- a report documenting their study findings, a practical component (what they did to bring the knowledge into reality), a display (which showed off their practical work as well as their artistic), and a final speech which they gave to the school community. These were a high point of school year. Everybody came until our hall could fit no more.

I remember clearly those students who added 'zing'. I saw video clips of cars that had been built and driven. And likewise microlights, extraordinary bicylces,and revolutionary skateboards. I saw mime performances integrated into a speech. I remember clothes being modelled, live science experiments, anthologies of short stories written and excerpts read, pianos played and songs sung. There was even a demonstration of breaking in a horse. Those speeches covered the spectrum in terms of subjects. What made them live aside from their passion filled delivery was the care that had been put into choosing and working with props.

It is worth it. Do make time to learn how to use props.

* Props is a shortened form of the word 'properties'. Props are anything used to enhance a presentation. The term originally came from live theatre and covered any object used by an actor on stage as part of their performance.

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