Prop up your presentation
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The document discusses the use of props in presentations. It defines props as objects used by presenters to enhance their message. Common examples given include products unveiled by Steve Jobs or Elon Musk. While slide decks are also considered props, they require separate attention. When used well, props can make points concrete, have emotional impact, serve as metaphors, and make presentations more memorable. The document provides 10 tips for effective prop use, such as ensuring the prop is relevant, the audience can see it, presenters are comfortable with it, and being creative in prop selection.
Prop up your presentation
- 2. • The word “prop” comes from the term “theatrical property”. If you watch a play, props are objects used by actors on stage to add realism to the story and to help advance the narrative. Common props that are used in a play include tables, chairs, lamps, umbrellas. The list goes on and on. WHAT IS A PROP?
- 3. • In a presentation, props are objects that the speaker uses to enhance the impact of a presentation. The size of the prop is limited only by the size of the stage. Most props are small enough to be handled by the presenter. Famous examples include the times when Steve Jobs unveiled the latest iPhone or MacBook. However, props can be large such as when Elon Musk unveil the latest Tesla model. props
- 4. • Slide presentations such PowerPoint, Keynote and Prezi are also props; however, they are such a specialized form of prop for presentations that they deserve separate consideration. Slide presentations
- 5. • The well-timed use of a well-chosen prop can make a big impression on the audience. Props can help a presentation in several ways: • They can make a point concrete. • They can have an emotional impact. • They can be effective metaphors. • They can inject humour into a presentation. • They focus the audience’s attention and interest. • They are memorable PROPS HELP A PRESENTATION
- 6. 1) The prop must be relevant to the message • It might seem axiomatic, but without question, this is the most important rule for using props. If the prop does not, in some way, contribute to the objective of your speech or presentation, you should not use it. TIPS FOR USING PROPS
- 7. • The larger the audience, the more care you must take to ensure that everyone can see the prop. It is frustrating for those who are sitting at the back if they cannot see it. Even for small audiences, a speaker must be sure that people can see the prop. This means holding it up or setting it up high enough and for long enough so that people can get a meaningful look. 2) Make sure the audience can see the prop
- 8. If you use more props than is appropriate for your presentation, there is a risk that it will come across as Vaudevillian rather professional. is no “right” number of props to use, though in many cases, one will suffice. It depends on a number of factors such as the amount of time you have, the nature of the props, whether the props are related, etc. No two speeches are the same and each requires its own “recipe” to turn out right. 3) Use the right number of props
- 9. The more complicated the prop, the greater the chance that something can go wrong. Test it, test it and then test it again beforehand. This is especially important if the prop forms a key part of the presentation; for example, if it is an invention that you are revealing to the public. 4) Make sure the prop works
- 10. Many props are simple items with few or no moving parts. The chances that they will not work are next to zero. But what about complicated props ?Or what if you forget or lose your simple prop? Can you adjust? Do you have a backup plan? 5) Have a backup in case the prop doesn’t work
- 11. • The speaker must be comfortable in handling the prop from start to finish. This means revealing the prop, handling it, operating it (if applicable), putting it away and, of course, speaking about it. 6) Be comfortable with the prop
- 12. Where possible, keep the prop hidden until you need it This is more easily done with small props that you can keep in your pocket or behind the lectern. However, it might be possible with larger props if you have a big stage with a back curtain or wings. There are two main advantages with keeping the prop hidden: it will not distract the audience while you are talking about something else; and the impact of the prop will be greater if it is only seen when you reveal it. 7) Keep the prop hidden
- 13. If you talk about the prop before showing it, build a sense of anticipation before the audience sees it Doing so will focus the audience’s attention and give the prop greater impact when it is revealed. Of course, this requires the right choreography and the prop needs to live up to the expectation that you create; however, when done well, the effect is powerful. 8) Talk about the prop prior showing
- 14. Unless you will need to refer to the prop again, I recommend putting it away (or at least to the side) once you are finished using it. Otherwise, the prop could be a distraction for the rest of your talk. The speakers must put the props away, put them to the side or had assistants can take away the props when they were finished with them. 9) Put the prop away when you are finished with it
- 15. when it comes to preparing a presentation and the same holds true for props. With thousands of objects from which to choose, use your imagination and try to think of unusual props that would have a real impact on your audience. One idea is to think about metaphors or analogies for the points you are trying to make and then look for the relevant item. It might be as close as your kitchen cupboard. 10) Be creative with your props