Public Speaking Tips - Prop It Up

Jill Bolte-Taylor uses a brain as her prop for her talk.

Prop’s are a powerful tool to use in your talks and in your presentations. They really come in handy when you do not have access to a projector to show your powerpoint presentation on your travels. There are some huge advantages of using props in your speech. It is time to add something new to your message...Let's Prop it up.  

Why use a prop?  

A prop attaches your lesson to an object serving as a visual association that connects a picture/object with an idea or thought. It helps the listener remember what you spoke about.  The even cooler fact about using a prop is that it can serve as a memory trigger years later!

I developed a talk about remaining distinct. I use an apple to illustrate sin to drive home my main message/power phrase… "Don’t Eat that.” My prayer is that anytime or at key times when the student see's an apple at the store or in their fridge, they will be reminded to remain distinctly different, not caving in to youth culture that is contrary to God’s Word.

Finding A Prop.

Let’s say you want to do a talk about changing the world. Your main message or power phrase is “You have the Power to Create Change.“ (Click here to find your power phrase and main message) 

Choose a word you want to emphasize. Let’s choose the word Change. Begin to list all the things that you can think of that change.

Example: Leaves change colours, chameleon’s, a baby’s diaper, remote control etc. (Call a friend to help you if you’re stuck.)

The remote control fits best with this talk as there are a number of angles and analogies that can be made with the remote control that you use to change the channel. Ie. Whoever has the remote, has the power. The signal must be aligned with the sensor in order for change to happen. Below is an example of how I would use it in a talk.

Example: Like the remote in my hand you too have the Power to change the channel. You have the power to change what you don’t like to see, like starving children, or online bullying. You have the Power to Change What You See.   

You can then use that remote for different sub points. ie. You have the power to Change what you Hear. Create different analogies with it, ie. Time with God enables you to pick up his signal.                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Prop's work so implement today and years later your students will come up to you saying, “I still remember the lesson you shared when you pulled out that wrench and you told us, We are never too screwed up for Jesus.” That is the Power of Props.

Tip’s and Hints

Tip: Using too many props in one talk can take away the effectiveness of the memory visual. I recommend not using more than 3 props as one great prop can go along way.

Hint: If you are struggling with nerves, use a prop in the beginning of your speech. It takes the eyes of your audience off of you and the attention is all on the prop. It will give you some time to warm up to your audience. 

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A member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) Alison has dedicated her time to developing her gift of Public Speaking so that her listeners would believe the truth that she shares and to raise up other strong youth communicator’s in Canada. She has been speaking full time for four years and is currently enrolled in Youth Speakers University.
Speaking Tips are from Alison’s Public Speaking Enhancement Workshop for any inquires message her today. http://www.ywop.ca