What to Know Before Choosing and Using Speech Props

Using speech props is one of the most effective ways to make your speech memorable. But a prop is only effective when it is appropriate and when used correctly. For example, in a TED Talk, presented by Bill Gates, he used a jar of uninfected live mosquitoes as a prop. That presentation is regarded to have saved Bill’s career as a speaker.

Here are the two main things about Bill’s mosquitoes  prop:

• The prop was related to his topic – His topic was on Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Education.
• He used it dramatically, and it elicited the right reaction from the audience.

Choosing and using speech props is a very good way to have a memorable presentation. But the prop you choose would determine how well the audience relates to your presentation. Also, the way you use the props is as important as choosing them.

The benefits of choosing and using props

The tangibility of props

A speech can be well structured and very descriptive. You can paint pictures with words, to help the imagination of an audience. But speeches are inherently intangible. Props, however, help give a speech some form of tangibility. With a prop, you can give an audience a visual that reinforces your message and that they can associate with your speech.

Props evoke emotions

With the right props, you can elicit a particular emotion on your audience that helps register the point of your speech. For example, in Bill’s speech, he released mosquitoes into the audience, eliciting some level of apprehension, one that was needed to connect with the subject matter.

Props create a dramatic effect

When you use the right prop,  you can create a dramatic effect. Creating a dramatic effect with the prop adds excitement to your speech, and ultimately improves memorability.

Props are memorable

It is safe to say that everyone in the room, where Bill Gates released live mosquitoes, will remember the subject of that speech for as long as possible. The impact of props on the memory is one of the reasons why it is recommended by experts to use them where necessary and possible.

Yes, props are a big deal for public speakers. The selection and use of props can make or mar your presentation.

Before you decide on what props to use for your next presentation, consider some of these questions:

Does the prop add value to your speech?

The value that props add to a presentation is the primary reason for which they are considered relevant. When preparing a speech for presentation, it is important to consider the possibility of incorporating props in the speech, and determine whether or not the use of props would add any real value to the success of that speech. If the prop does not add any value to your speech, don’t use it. While the use of props can be effective for delivering engaging speeches, it is not a compulsory part of every speech.

Would the prop be considered offensive by the audience?

Never make the mistake of featuring speech props that convey even the slightest gender, sexual, racial, or religious stereotypes possible. While you may win over a faction of the audience, you may run the risk of losing your credibility when people take offense to that prop. When you have decided that a particular prop is ideal for your speech and adds value to the speech, the next thing is to ensure that prop does not convey any slurs or offends anyone.

Can your prop be easily handled and manipulated, or does a metaphor better replace it?

Instead of wheeling an 8-foot wardrobe onto the stage to make a point, you could consider using a smaller, yet visible replacement for the prop in question. Props that you can manipulate and handle are easier to incorporate into the speech without any physical struggle.

Is your prop visible enough?

It would be terrible to come on stage with props that cannot be seen by people sitting at the rear end of the room. Not only will you be leaving a considerable section of the audience out of the presentation, but you will also be presenting yourself in the light of one who is not yet skilled in using props. It could affect your reputation as a speaker.

There are several other things to consider before using props; the lighting, the position of the audience, the available space on the stage, etc. Understanding how these things play in the process of choosing your props will go a long way in helping you determine what works and what won’t.

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Tips to note.

Rehearse Thoroughly

Before using a prop for your presentation, ensure to rehearse thoroughly. An extensive rehearsal help to expose possible flaws that may arise during the actual presentation. If possible, it would help rehearse with the prop on the actual stage you will be using for the presentation. Also, while rehearsing, consider the size of the audience and the room and other critical factors.

Have your props on stage before your presentation

Positioning your props on the stage before you begin your presentation, is important for building suspense. It is also very effective when the audience has no prior knowledge of the props until the very moment when you unveil them. You can achieve this by placing the prop behind an obstacle or using drapes to cover it. When the prop is right, it elicits the right emotion when you unveil it.

Build Anticipation

Don’t just dive right in and unleash the prop on the audience. Build some anticipation towards that moment when your audience sees the prop. Hint at the significance of the props, explain the importance without giving away the identity of the prop. Get your audience interested in seeing the prop. When you do this, it solidifies the impact of the prop.

Make it easily discernible

While demonstrating your point with your props, ensure that the prop is easily discernible, and everyone from any angle can see it. This way, you are sure nobody misses even the smallest part of the demonstration.

If possible, pass it around

If your prop is portable and can be passed around, especially for a very small audience, then you should consider allowing the audience to handle the props by passing it around. Remember that props offer tangibility to a rather intangible speech, and touching the props will increase how your audience connect with your speech.

What are some of your best ways to use props? Mention them below.

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