Public speaking tips

Using Visuals

 

(A) You, the speaker, are a visual aid. You are "on stage" the moment you are introduced. You can't pretend you're not there while you set up your demonstration or check out the podium, etc. That's one reason it's best to have things set up--and checked out--in advance, especially when the set-up is complicated.

(B) Talk while you do stuff. If you must set up a visual aid while you are delivering your talk, plan to talk about it while you're doing this, especially if this is a lengthy process. You need to keep control of the audience; don't let them drift away.

(C) Keep demonstrations or materials simple . Don't get yourself caught up running a three-ring circus. There will be too much for you to do; too much can go wrong, and you may trip over all your electrical cords (especially if they were not taped to the floor).

(D) Keep the visuals simple. If you are showing something on a screen, one idea per slide or overhead is about right. Avoid complicated slides/overheads. Don't show pictures of things you do not intend to explain. Lead your audience through diagrams, even if you think they are simple.

(E) Avoid annoying the audience:

• Don't read to them. If a slide has a great deal of writing on it, give them time to read it; they can read faster than you can speak.
• Use a pointer when you can, not your hands. Stay away from a light beam pointer unless you can hold it steady (most people can't, especially when they're nervous).
• If you are RIGHT-handed, stand on the RIGHT side of a visual display from the audience's perspective (If you're writing on the blackboard this will be your LEFT.) It will force you to keep your body somewhat turned toward the audience even while working on the blackboard; you can talk to the audience over you right shoulder if you talk while writing.
• Look at the slides you are showing; make sure they are showing what you say they are showing.
• If you use an overhead projector, practice laying transparencies right-side-up and turning the projector on/off. Keep your hands off transparencies while they are being displayed.
• Be certain that equipment works; check it out in advance. Number slides, and make sure they are facing properly. You should have checked the room in advance.
• Make sure everyone can see your demonstration or slides. And listen to your audience: if people indicate they cannot see, find a way they can.

(F) Heighten interest. If you have a number of objects to display, reveal them one at a time. Don't show your audience all your tricks before you begin. When you're finished with an object, put it away. Don't play with it.

(G) Chose the right time to give out handouts . Do you want people to look at them while you talk? Will the handouts heighten interest in your talk? Or diminish it?

(H) Practice your speech with all the visuals. Time them as they are integrated with your speech, and get comfortable with the way they fit in. Including visuals will magically lengthen the time it takes you to give your speech.