Props can be powerful tools to boost your motivational speaking skills, especially when it comes to body language and stage presence. In this article, you will learn how to use props effectively to create more impact, engagement, and memorability in your presentations.
The first step to using props is to select ones that are relevant, meaningful, and appropriate for your topic, audience, and occasion. Props should not be random or distracting, but rather support your main points and illustrate your stories. For example, if you are talking about overcoming challenges, you could use a rope to demonstrate how to tie a knot or a hammer to break a brick. Props should also be visible, easy to handle, and safe to use.
I wanted to make an addition here on the grounds of production and the importance of mise-en-scene in a performance or speech. Of course, use props that complement your topic but they should also be aligned with the theme, colour scheme or campaign idea (if any). For example, if you are delivering a speech on the future of AI you will use more techno-theme props, if it is a video then a subtle background score etc. On the contrary, if the same topic 'Future of AI' is to be covered on the occasion of Women's Day, the context changes, the campaign idea changes and so will the props. Lastly, remember that your attire is also a silent prop. You can consult a stylist if you are going for a big hit or else plan your attire yourself.
Props can help you show rather than tell your audience what you want them to know or do. Props can make abstract concepts more concrete, complex ideas more simple, and boring facts more interesting. For example, if you are talking about goal setting, you could use a ladder to represent the steps you need to take or a compass to show the direction you need to follow. Props can also help you explain how something works, how to do something, or why something matters.
Props can also help you connect with your audience and make them part of your presentation. Props can stimulate curiosity, attention, and emotion in your listeners. For example, if you are talking about creativity, you could use a puzzle to challenge your audience to solve it or a painting to elicit their opinions. Props can also help you involve your audience by asking them to volunteer, interact, or respond to your props. For example, if you are talking about teamwork, you could use a ball to pass around or a rope to pull together.
I was once asked to speak to a group of kids during Literacy Week about reading and how reading is found everywhere. When they had gathered I put a chair in the middle of the room with my back pack in it. I didn't ask them to be quiet. I pretended that they weren't there and just set up my chair and bag while they watched in silence. After I was introduced I asked them if they wanted to know what was in the bag. A resounding yes. I told them if they were quiet and participated well I'd show them. And we were off. I started with a presentation but touched my bag periodically to remind them about our deal. Curiosity kept them engaged. Eventually I pulled out a book I had written and we read part of it together. Props work.
Props can also help you highlight and repeat your key messages and takeaways. Props can create contrast, comparison, and repetition in your speech. For example, if you are talking about change, you could use a before and after picture to show the difference or a coin to flip between the pros and cons. Props can also help you reinforce your message by leaving them on display, referring back to them, or giving them away as reminders.
Props can also help you express your personality and style as a speaker and make your presentation stand out from others. Props can reveal your values, interests, and experiences in a unique way. For example, if you are talking about leadership, you could use a trophy to share your achievements or a hat to show your roles. Props can also help you differentiate your presentation by adding humor, surprise, or novelty to your speech. For example, if you are talking about communication, you could use a megaphone to make a joke or a mask to make a point.
Finally, props can help you improve your body language and stage presence as a speaker. Props can give you something to do with your hands, arms, and body, making you look more confident, comfortable, and natural. For example, if you are talking about motivation, you could use a microphone to amplify your voice or a guitar to play a song. Props can also help you create movement, variety, and energy on the stage, making you look more dynamic, expressive, and engaging. For example, if you are talking about success, you could use a balloon to pop or a confetti to celebrate.
A couple of ideas- props can really support presence... Symbolic Objects: Choose objects that symbolise a key messages. Think about metaphors. Interacting with it throughout your presentation making your body language an integral part of the narrative. I have pause buttons, books, self doubt teddy, a positive pickle ;) I could go on..... Technology Integration: Incorporate modern technology as a prop, I use menti.com to showcase real-time interactions from the audience. This not only adds a layer of interactivity but also allows you to move more freely engaging with both the content and the audience directly.