Effective presentation strategies - 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