How can you use props to reduce speech anxiety?

Props can help bring you back to your topic, can help you remember what you were going to talk about next, and help bring the audience into “your world”. A concern, however, is relying on them too much or using them to distract from you star - you - which is what you are when you’re publicly speaking.

1. Select props that relate to your speech topic. 2. Familiarize yourself with the props through practice. 3. Use visual aids or interactive props for engagement. 4. Props can provide a distraction from anxiety. 5. Confidence is boosted by having props to refer to. 6. Proper use of props can ease stage fright.

Props can be used in a lot of different ways, but they must "be a part of " the story you're telling. Example: If you are a bit nervous you can use a prop (do something with it) as a starting point for what's coming next in your talk. 1) use prop 2) explain why it works/handles the way i does (theory) 3) give examples from real life/work/sport etc. ...as an example ...or START WITH A PROP GOING WRONG 1) play with it and the audience get curious 2) explain your point with an U-turn, what have happened if it had worked.. 3) ...like this (you get it right this time). May you and your audience have FUN. Love - The Thinkinican

In my 25 years of public speaking, props have proven their worth in several ways. First, they engage multiple senses, creating a memorable experience—pure gold for effective communication. Second, props make your presentation unforgettable. Who could forget when I brought out a friendly snake to highlight the perils of procrastination? Props stick in people's minds, ensuring your messages stay with them. However, it's important to remember that props can be a double-edged sword. Overdoing it can distract the audience, so ensure they serve the message rather than steal the show.

One of the challenges of speaking is anchoring a point to be made to memory. A prop can often serve the dual purpose of serving as a memory aid to the point as well as a visual focal point for the audience. Used with intent, thought and purpose it is a powerful tool that augments the message being delivered.

They should compliment, not distract, and should be on-brand for you and your talk. Ensure they don’t get in anyone’s way, can be viewed by everyone, and that your words make the props make sense in the context of your talk.

It depends on the topic you're giving a speech for. For instance, on one hand, You can hold note cards or a small prop in your hands. This gives you something to do with your hands, which can help channel nervous energy. Shuffle the cards as you speak or fiddle with the prop. Or, you can display visual aids, slides, or posters as you speak. Describing and gesturing toward these props directs attention to them instead of solely on you.

Set the prop somewhere you can see it, so that you don't forget about it. If it is to be kept secret from the audience, you could have a stand or podium to put it behind. Years ago, in high school, I brought several props for a speech (in front of a hundred students) that I placed in a corner behind me. It would have drastically elevated the humorous moments of the speech, but I completely failed to incorporate them because I was nervous and distracted. Don't be like high school me!

Here's a brief summary of tips for introducing props in a speech: 1. Show - Visually display the prop so the audience sees it. 2. Explain - Tell why you're using the prop and its relevance. 3. Guide - Draw attention to key aspects that support your ideas. 4. Engage - Ask the audience rhetorical questions about the prop. 5. Transition - Use verbal bridges like "turning your attention to..." 6. Connect - Explain how the prop builds on previous points. 7. Set the Scene - Describe the context around storytelling props before unveiling them.

Props are incredible for humorous effect. Legendary comics such as Dave Chapelle and Jimmy O. Yang have used the mic as a prop to enhance a joke.

Using simple note cards or a small prop in your hands while speaking is likely the most seamless, effective way to reduce speech anxiety with props. The touchable objects become a natural extension of your presence rather than the main focus. Note cards are inconspicuous and expected. Fiddling with or shuffling small note cards looks natural, as speakers are expected to reference notes.