What are the dos and don'ts of using visual aids, props, and multimedia in your keynote speech?

1 Know your purpose

Before you decide to use any visual aid, prop, or multimedia, ask yourself: what is the purpose of using it? How does it support your main point, argument, or story? How does it help your audience understand, remember, or act on your message? Don't use visual aids, props, or multimedia just for the sake of using them, or to fill up time, or to distract from your weak content. Use them only when they add value, clarity, or impact to your speech.

2 Choose the right format

There are many types of visual aids, props, and multimedia you can use in your keynote speech, such as slides, charts, graphs, images, videos, audio clips, demonstrations, models, objects, costumes, or gestures. However, not all formats are suitable for all situations, audiences, or messages. Choose the format that best fits your purpose, topic, tone, and style. For example, if you want to show data, use a chart or a graph that is simple, clear, and relevant. If you want to tell a story, use an image or a video that evokes emotion or curiosity. If you want to make a point, use a prop or a gesture that is surprising or humorous.

3 Prepare and practice

Using visual aids, props, and multimedia in your keynote speech requires careful preparation and practice. You need to make sure that your tools are compatible with the venue, equipment, and audience. You need to check that they are working properly, and that you have backups or alternatives in case of technical glitches. You also need to practice how to use them effectively, such as when to show them, how to explain them, how to transition between them, and how to handle them safely and smoothly. Don't rely on your tools to do the work for you. They are there to complement, not replace, your verbal delivery.

4 Keep it simple and relevant

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when using visual aids, props, and multimedia in your keynote speech is to overload your audience with too much information, complexity, or distraction. You don't want to confuse, bore, or annoy your audience with irrelevant, outdated, or inaccurate data, images, or sounds. You also don't want to overwhelm them with flashy, cluttered, or inconsistent slides, videos, or animations. Keep your tools simple and relevant. Use only what you need to convey your message. Focus on quality, not quantity. Less is more.

5 Engage your audience

Using visual aids, props, and multimedia in your keynote speech can be a great way to engage your audience and make them feel part of your presentation. However, you need to be careful not to lose your connection with them or make them feel passive or ignored. You need to maintain eye contact, use vocal variety, and interact with your tools and your audience. Don't hide behind your tools or read from your slides. Don't ignore your audience's reactions or questions. Don't let your tools take over your speech. Use them to enhance, not hinder, your communication.

6 Evaluate and improve

After you deliver your keynote speech using visual aids, props, and multimedia, don't forget to evaluate and improve your performance. Ask for feedback from your audience, organizers, or peers. Review your recording or notes. Identify what worked well and what didn't. Learn from your mistakes and successes. Celebrate your achievements and plan for your next speech. Using visual aids, props, and multimedia in your keynote speech can be a rewarding and challenging experience. By following these dos and don'ts, you can make your speech more engaging, memorable, and effective.