Props and visuals can add humor and interest to your public speaking, but they can also backfire if you use them poorly. In this article, you will learn how to use props and visuals effectively to support your main message and goals, and avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your presentation.
The first step to using props and visuals for humor is to choose them wisely. You want to use props and visuals that are relevant to your topic, audience, and purpose. For example, if you are giving a speech about gardening, you might use a watering can, a flower pot, or a pair of gloves as props. These props can help you illustrate your points, make jokes, or demonstrate something. However, if you are giving a speech about astronomy, these props would be out of place and confusing. Similarly, you want to use visuals that are clear, simple, and appropriate for your topic. Avoid using visuals that are too complex, cluttered, or unrelated to your message.
While it's important to choose props and visuals that are relevant to your topic, audience, and purpose, you can also consider using unexpected or unconventional props to add humor to your presentation. For example, if you are giving a speech about the importance of budgeting, you could use a toy piggy bank or a giant calculator as a prop to add a playful element to your presentation. Ultimately, the key is to balance relevance with creativity to make your props and visuals more engaging and memorable.
The second step to using props and visuals for humor is to practice with them before your speech. You don't want to improvise with props and visuals on the spot, as this can lead to awkwardness, mistakes, or technical issues. You want to rehearse how you will use them, when you will use them, and where you will place them. You also want to check that your props and visuals are working properly, and that you have backups in case something goes wrong. For example, if you are using a PowerPoint slide, you want to make sure that it is compatible with the projector, that you have a remote control, and that you have a printed copy in case of a power outage.
If you use a prop and you present to a large audience, make sure everyone in the room can see your prop. You might need extra camera or streaming for the room to show what you have in your hand or on the table.
The third step to using props and visuals for humor is to use them to enhance your humor, not to replace it. You don't want to rely on props and visuals to make your speech funny, as this can make you seem lazy, unoriginal, or desperate. You want to use props and visuals to support your humor, to add variety, or to create surprise. For example, if you are telling a funny story, you might use a prop or a visual to show something that happened, to exaggerate something, or to reveal a twist. However, you still need to have a good delivery, timing, and structure for your humor to work.
Visuals can be especially helpful when providing a motivational speech. For example, I always talk about food during DEI training sessions, so I include different food visuals to support the sessions. It helps with creating a better understanding of the various cultures and backgrounds represented in the room. Coupled with my storytelling and humorous anecdotes, these visuals amplify my message, allowing me to reach more people in an engaging way. I am known for explaining DEI by talking about carrot cake; I sometimes bring a real carrot cake to the sessions. At the same time, providing supporting visuals helps the audience consume content more quickly and effectively.
Cartoons can be an easy way to add some humor into your talk. But you still have to work them to make them funny. Your best bet is to treat them more like a prop than a joke in themselves. Make sure the cartoon fits the idea you’re making. Try to have it add value by helping you bring out a particular point, not just getting a laugh. Pay attention to the timing — showing it at the right moment can make the difference between a memorable joke and a dud. Describe the picture and the caption, paying attention to the delivery — again, the joke is what you’re saying, not the cartoon. And most of all, make sure it’s a good cartoon. A cartoon that looks bad, or just isn’t funny, we’ll hurt your presentation more than it helps.
The fourth step to using props and visuals for humor is to balance them with your verbal and nonverbal communication. You don't want to use props and visuals to distract from your speech, to overshadow your personality, or to confuse your audience. You want to use props and visuals to complement your speech, to showcase your creativity, and to engage your audience. For example, if you are using a prop or a visual, you might use your voice, gestures, or facial expressions to emphasize, contrast, or comment on it. However, you still need to maintain eye contact, vocal variety, and body language for your speech to be effective.
The fifth step to using props and visuals for humor is to adapt them to the situation and the feedback. You don't want to use props and visuals that are inappropriate, insensitive, or offensive to your audience, your venue, or your occasion. You want to use props and visuals that are suitable, respectful, and relevant to your context. For example, if you are giving a speech at a formal event, you might use props or visuals that are subtle, elegant, or sophisticated. However, if you are giving a speech at a casual event, you might use props or visuals that are fun, colorful, or quirky. You also want to pay attention to how your audience reacts to your props and visuals, and adjust accordingly. For example, if your audience laughs, applauds, or nods, you might use more props and visuals, or repeat them. However, if your audience frowns, yawns, or looks away, you might use less props and visuals, or change them.
It is so easy to go wrong with props and visuals. Unless you have a really good grasp of your audience and understand what their humor is, I would steer away from props and visuals. To recover from a misplaced prop or visual can be really challenging and you might loose your audience and their respect for you. Only use props if they are key to your story, for example if you need to talk about weird product placement on shelfs use a relevant image, or if you want to showcase bad design products, have a product example at hand.
The sixth and final step to using props and visuals for humor is to experiment with them and have fun. You don't want to use props and visuals that are boring, predictable, or cliché. You want to use props and visuals that are original, unexpected, or clever. For example, you might use props or visuals that are ironic, paradoxical, or absurd. You might also use props or visuals that are personal, interactive, or improvised. The key is to be creative, flexible, and playful with your props and visuals, and to enjoy yourself. Remember, props and visuals are not the end goal of your speech, but the means to make your speech more memorable, entertaining, and persuasive.