Recently I gave speech 8 from the basic manual on using props. The props I chose were overhead transparencies. The speech was not very successful, but that may be the most educational kind of speech (for the speaker, not the audience). I learned a lot on how not to give a speech using an overhead projector.
I'm writing them down here so (1) to share them and (2) so I won't forget them.
| Don't have too many items on the overhead | They will distract the audience from your message. |
| Don't make the overhead too big, keep the image in the center of the frame | I had too much material on my overheads, filling them almost to the edges. I figured it'd be OK because I'd cover most of them with the a piece of paper when I wasn't using them.
This Presented two problems. (1) The overheads were too complicated. (2) My overheads warped from being run through the copier when I made them. The center was in contact with the mirror of the overhead and was in focus but the edges curled up away from the mirror so were distorted and out of focus. |
| Don't read the overheads to the audience | The audience can read the overhead themselves. Merely putting it on the screen and reading it is redundant. Use the overhead to enhance your vocal presentation. |
| Don't be pedantic and boring | Don't just read the overheads like an ossified professor. Don't let the overhead steal the show from you, and distract their attention from you. Continue to use gestures, vocal variety and anything else you can think of to keep your audience awake. |
| Don't talk to the overheads or the screen | The overhead projector, screen and transparencies will not applaud you at the end of your speech. Remember who is IMPORTANT. |
| Don't leave lights off for too long if you turn them off | Some old technology required dimming/turning off the lights in the room to use them.
Turning off the lights makes me sleepy after about five minutes. Having your audience doze off is one sure way to lose them.
If you must turn off the lights, turn them back on so your audience wakes up (try not to let them think it's the end of the presentation). |