How can you create and display visual aids and props like a pro?

1 Choose the right type

The first step to creating and displaying visual aids and props is to choose the right type for your purpose, audience, and context. There are many types of visual aids and props, such as slides, charts, graphs, images, videos, models, objects, costumes, and demonstrations. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the complexity, relevance, and impact of your information. For example, slides can be useful for showing data, images, and quotes, but they can also be boring, distracting, or confusing if they are overloaded, irrelevant, or inconsistent. Props can be effective for illustrating a point, creating a metaphor, or engaging the senses, but they can also be awkward, unprofessional, or offensive if they are too large, too small, or too controversial.

2 Design with simplicity and clarity

When creating and displaying visual aids and props, it's important to design them with simplicity and clarity. This will ensure that your visual aids and props support your speech without overshadowing it or confusing your audience. To achieve this, you should use a consistent and appropriate color scheme, font, and layout for your slides and charts. Additionally, you should use high-quality and relevant images and videos that match your message and tone. Furthermore, you should include clear labels, titles, and captions for graphs, tables, and diagrams. Simple and familiar symbols, icons, and shapes should be used for models and objects. Lastly, props should be easy to handle, visible, and recognizable for demonstrations and illustrations.

3 Practice with timing and coordination

The third step to creating and displaying visual aids and props is to practice with timing and coordination. You want your visual aids and props to enhance your delivery, not to interrupt it or distract you, so you should practice introducing and explaining them before, during, or after you show them, depending on their relevance and importance. Additionally, it's important to transition smoothly and logically between your visual aids and props and your verbal content. You should also be able to control and manipulate them with confidence, using a remote, a pointer, a stand, or a helper if necessary. Moreover, make sure to maintain eye contact with your audience instead of focusing on your visual aids or props. Lastly, anticipate any technical or logistical issues that may arise with your visual aids and props.

4 Adapt to the venue and the audience

When creating and displaying visual aids and props for your speech, it's important to consider how they will fit the venue and audience. Adjust the size, format, and resolution of your visual aids and props to the size, layout, and equipment of the room. Test their visibility, audibility, and functionality before your speech, and have a backup plan in case of failure. Additionally, customize the content, style, and tone of your visual aids and props to the background, interests, and needs of your audience. If appropriate and desired, you can also solicit feedback, involvement, and interaction from your audience with your visual aids and props.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step to creating and displaying visual aids and props is to evaluate and improve them based on your experience and results. You want your visual aids and props to be effective and memorable, not to be forgotten or ignored. Therefore, you should review your speech recording and notes to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your visual aids and props. Additionally, seek feedback from your audience, peers, mentors, or coaches to identify areas of improvement and best practices. Experimenting with different types, designs, and techniques of visual aids and props can help you compare their impact and outcomes. Finally, keep learning and updating your skills and knowledge on visual aids and props, following the latest trends and innovations in the field.

6 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?