How do you use props and visual aids effectively?

1 Choose props and visual aids that support your goal

The first step to using props and visual aids effectively is to choose them wisely. Think about your main goal and message, and how your props and visual aids can help you achieve them. For example, if you want to demonstrate a process, a physical model or a video might be more suitable than a slide. If you want to make an emotional connection, a personal story or a photo might be more impactful than a statistic. Avoid using props and visual aids that are irrelevant, distracting, or confusing to your audience.

2 Prepare your props and visual aids in advance

The second step to using props and visual aids effectively is to prepare them well in advance. Make sure your props and visual aids are clear, visible, and easy to use. Test them for functionality, compatibility, and quality. Label them and organize them in a logical order. Pack them securely and bring backups if possible. Arrive early and check the venue, equipment, and lighting. Practice using your props and visual aids with your speech, and adjust them as needed.

3 Use props and visual aids strategically

The third step to using props and visual aids effectively is to use them strategically. Don't rely on them to carry your speech, but use them to complement and reinforce your verbal delivery. Introduce them with a purpose, explain them with a benefit, and relate them to your main point. Use them sparingly and selectively, and avoid cluttering your presentation with too many or too complex props and visual aids. Remove them when you are done, and don't let them interfere with your eye contact, body language, or voice.

4 Engage your audience with props and visual aids

The fourth step to using props and visual aids effectively is to engage your audience with them. Don't just show them, but involve them. Ask questions, invite feedback, solicit opinions, or encourage participation. For example, you can ask your audience to guess the outcome of an experiment, to share their experience with a product, or to try a technique. You can also use props and visual aids to create surprise, humor, or curiosity. For example, you can reveal a hidden object, tell a joke, or show a teaser.

5 Evaluate your props and visual aids

The fifth step to using props and visual aids effectively is to evaluate them. After your presentation, ask yourself and your audience how your props and visual aids helped or hindered your speech. Did they capture attention, clarify concepts, or persuade action? Did they confuse, bore, or annoy your audience? What worked well and what didn't? How can you improve them for the next time? Keep a record of your feedback and learn from your experience.

6 Keep learning and improving

The sixth and final step to using props and visual aids effectively is to keep learning and improving. Props and visual aids are not static, but dynamic tools that can evolve with your topic, audience, and style. Keep exploring new ideas, formats, and technologies that can enhance your conference speaking. Seek inspiration from other speakers, experts, and sources. Experiment with different props and visual aids, and test them with different audiences. Keep refining your skills and techniques, and enjoy the process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?