Vince Lambordi is credited for teaching the basics of football to the Green Bay Packers, after they lost several games in the beginning of his first season, by lifting a ball, pointing at it and saying, "this is a football." I have used this example in many occasions and seen former and current football coaches and players in the audience want to see or touch the ball I am holding. Then they all sit still to hear the basics of effective leadership, team success or living a life of fulfillment.

The use of props in your presentations will captivate your audience, keep their attention, increase the retention of learned materials and enhance their learning experience. Using the right props, understanding why, how, when and where to use them elevates your effectiveness as a speaker or trainer to new heights far better than charts and/or statistics.

Why Use Props

In most traditional cultures, especially where oral communication was/is the main way to reserve history, encourage positive behaviors and actions or warn against detrimental habits, props were/are known to serve an essential role. They could help create the necessary curiosity needed for learners. They help simplify complex issues. They ensure that all learners are learning the same material instead of each being left to their own mental images.

How to use props effectively

I happen to use props for the above reasons in addition to organizing my presentations. Instead of writing down main points, I spread out my props, in the order I want to use them, out of the audience’s view. While I use props such as spears, wood carved tools or the talking drum, from my African heritage, Kamba tribe of Kenya, I have used items such as a banana or a small rock from my backyard and still generated my expected outcome.

There is more to it than just picking a prop and expecting it to perform wonders. You have to analyze the relevancy on how a prop relates to the point you want to make. Each participant must have a clear view of the prop. The prop should not be a distraction or a replacement of the content people paid to learn.

You find the prop that fits your objective. There are numberless props and sources of props for speakers and trainers. They expound otherwise unclear messages and you can tailor how you use it depending on the objective of your presentation. For example, a presentation on how a team (whether in the workplace, football field or community leadership), can overcome a challenge, I use a spear to demonstrate how some African tribes were able to overcome a water buffalo, the most life devastating beast for villagers.

When the beast was sighted, it was surrounded by several people, usually young men each with a spear. One person speared the beast and then ran for his life. As the buffalo was running after its attacker, someone else speared it from another direction. This new source of pain made the buffalo change direction and pursue the new attacker. This went on until the water buffalo was overcome.

The audience is captivated by the spear as well as the story. Then their eyes light up when each individual starts to realize that the spear they have is their own talents, experience, or resources to overcome a challenge that affects all. They recognize the danger of their challenge (buffalo) and the fact that they have what it takes to at least start tackling it.

They all also recognize key aspects for overcoming their challenge. They all must know what it is. They must communicate to know who has what spear. Coordination is of essence, knowing who will be the first to do what is vital for team success.  They must stay connected and monitor how the buffalo (challenge) is being brought down. Conflict and change management are also critical since things can and do change once a team has started taking their buffalo down.

Here is what one manager wrote: "…I am confident to say that we are now better prepared to survive the appearance of water buffaloes in our workplace."

In some situations, I have given the spear (with a shield) to the leader of the group I present to. That spear is displayed where each team member can see it, remember their mission—to overcome their "buffalo" and renew their resolve to contribute to the best of their abilities.

When and Where to Use Props

You are not limited to using props occasionally. If every speech and training session that you conduct matters, you can add value to your audience with props. I have used props for every speech and training I have given and in all marriage seminars and school assemblies that I conduct. It does not matter whether you are speaking to professionals or not.

A prop, like a story or a proverb, can be used in different situation to convey different messages. It can be used for different age groups. The outcome is a presentation rich in memorable images and an audience that was kept awake, empowered with knowledge and inspired to take action with whatever they have to create a better tomorrow in whatever they do. This is achieved with the right props and knowing how to use them at all times.

Dr. Vincent Muli Kituku, a Certified Speaking Professional, works with organizations and individuals to increase productivity through employees and leadership programs. He is the author of 20 books and over 1000 articles and conducts How to Speak and Get Paid seminars. He can be reached at (208) 376-8724 and www.kituku.com.