Props for Your Next Presentation

The men’s basketball team of Michigan State University has gone to the Final Four in spite of being seeded fifth in the NCAA Tournament. One of the keys to turning the team around for the success they had in the Tournament was what Coach Tom Izzo did on Selection Sunday. At a team meeting, he took videotapes of the last two games [a victory over last place Penn State and a Big Ten Tournament loss to Iowa] and smashed them with a hammer. Then he said, "This is going to be a new season" [referring to the NCAA Tournament]. This unusual technique seemed to inspire the team to a new level of skill and determination.

A prop is an object that you use in your presentation to help illustrate or reinforce a point or to help the audience remember an idea. Audience members weeks or months later often are able to connect the prop with the point of the speech. When preparing for your next presentation, consider using a prop. Here are some suggestions on how to make the best use of the prop.

Make sure the prop relates to the content of your speech. Don’t be tempted to use a prop simply because it is unusual or unique; the prop should connect the listener to what you are saying.

The prop should be handled easily. Concealing the prop before and after its use should be simple. The object should not be seen as dangerous. Years ago I used a cap pistol to illustrate how Teddy Roosevelt was almost assassinated in the 1912 Presidential Campaign. That would never work today with the changing view of guns in any public place.

Avoid objects which are valuable and might be stolen as you are talking to people after the speech. Do not increase the complexity of your presentation by having a prop too heavy, too sharp, or too bulky.

Prepare the audience for your use of the prop. If it is introduced suddenly and without warning, the audience may be so distracted by the surprise that they may lose track of the point you are making with the prop. Even a simple sentence like, "Let me show you an object that will help make my point" will introduce the prop.

Power Point and posters and flip charts certainly are effective in many presentations. But, as Coach Izzo demonstrated with the hammer and videotape, nothing in a presentation can inspire and reinforce like a prop.

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Improve the Quality of Your Relationships: 
Overcome Bad Listening Habits

Nothing is more insulting to a person talking than for you not to listen—or even to appear not to be listening. You can immediately improve your relationships by identifying and changing bad listening habits.

Do not interrupt the person speaking to you (unless, of course, a life is in danger.)  This is rude and makes the other person feel what she or he is saying is not as important to you as what you have to say.

Do not be doing other things when the person is speaking to you. Multi-tasking is good when appropriate, but listening while doing other things will not promote a good relationship. Put the paper down, turn off the television, turn off the cell phone, accept no interruptions from colleagues, avoid looking at the computer screen, and look directly at the person speaking.

Do not be distracted by how the person speaks or how the person looks. An unusual pin on a lapel, a plunging neckline, or a different shirt color pattern can cause your mind to wander. Sometimes a speaker's accent may make you think more about the geographical origin of the person talking and less about what is being said.

Do not top the other person’s story. When someone tells you about a vacation, don’t be tempted then to tell about your own vacation which was at a more exotic location, or at a better beach, or even one with worse problems. Give an approving nod or comment and ask a relevant question about the vacation instead.

Do not let your emotions take over. If you disagree with what the person is saying or feel strongly about the subject matter, don’t respond with an emotional response and give feedback that will antagonize. Remember—when emotions are high, communication is low. Listening is difficult when emotions take over. Ask for more information or give a nonjudgmental comment such as, "I appreciate your sharing that idea with me," or "That is another way to look at this issue."

Do not have a superiority complex. If the person is speaking on a topic you know a lot about, resist the urge to "zone out" because you think you already know all that is necessary on the subject. Even though it would save time, do not interrupt to say, "Yes, I know about that." Listening is hard work and a most important skill to develop. Identifying bad listening habits to avoid is a step toward improving your relationships with others.