How to Use Props in my speech?

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest4068
   

   Following are some of the tips you can follow for efficient use of Props in your speech:
   Tip One: The best way is to integrate them into the body of your speech. It is more effective to show and tell as you go, rather than wait to the end of your speech and then show. By then your audience may have forgotten why it is they are looking at your graph, photograph or grandmother clock!
   Tip Two: Use clear descriptions of each item you use. Give enough information to satisfy interest without going on too long. You do not want to stop the flow of your speech by dwelling on one aspect.
   Tip Three: Less IS more. Choose the BEST examples of whatever you've got to show. Less is more effective. Don't clutter an audience's minds with too many to take in.
   Tip Four: Test before committing yourself to their use. Be sure the prop works in the venue. For example: If it's big, can it fit through the door, or on the stage ?
   Tip Five: If you're using any electronic equipment to show photographs, graphs etc, test it beforehand. Leave yourself enough time to familiarize yourself with how to operate it properly or to fix any problems you may find.
   Tip Six: If you're reliant on someone else to operate equipment, be sure to rehearse fully with them. Give clear instructions about precisely what you want done, when. Have all your material in the right order ready for them. Prepare a 'cue sheet' for them to follow.
   Example:
   '...reading rates across 11 - 13 year olds has fallen in the last decade. Research shows...' Graph 1 on screen.
   '...however reading recovery schemes have been implemented in some states with some success...'Graph 2 on screen.
   When the operator hears the cue, they will bring up the right image.
   Tip Seven: If you have a range of props to use throughout your speech, put them in order. Label them if necessary. Arrange them so they are easily picked up, put down and not in either you or your audience's way.
   Tip Eight: If you are demonstrating as well as showing, test and retest to make sure what you are doing is effective.
   (What's the difference? Demonstrating is active. You are doing something. Showing is passive. You are holding something up to be looked at.
   Example:
   'Here's a remarkably easy drawing technique. I start here...' And the speaker does it on a drawing board in such a way to be visible to the audience.
   'Here's the result of a drawing exercise...' And the speaker holds up his drawing pad to display the completed exercise.
   The first is active and the second is passive.
   When you demonstrate, the key is simplicity. Keep everything you do to a minimum. Think of how a live cooking demonstration is shown on television. Every aspect is prepared beforehand. The movements of the cook are clear and they've rehearsed their speech to fit precisely what they're doing so the audience can follow easily.
   Tip Nine: Thinking of using a live animal or pet? Think very carefully.
   How will they respond to the stress of being moved?
   How will they react to an unfamiliar place with lots of people?
   Do you need a minder to look after them while you're talking?
   If you do decide to go ahead, think every aspect out ahead and plan accordingly. Be real in your evaluation.
   Tip Ten: Sometimes our props need other people to demonstrate them. If that's the case for you, those people need to be part of your rehearsal process. They need to know what you're going to say, how you want them to react, where you want them to be on the stage (or where ever you're presenting), when you want them to come on and when to leave. And if you're going to have children taking part, make doubly sure they know what they're doing! Kids on stage with you can be great fun but the reverse is true too. It's up to you to make them feel at ease and confident about what you've asked them to do. Make it safe for them as well as yourself.

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