Imagine you are sitting in the audience for a presentation on the newest electronic device that will change how you view and use technology. The speaker comes out and describes what the new device looks like, what features it includes, how to use it, and how to incorporate it with your existing electronics. Is this presentation captivating? Would you be more interested in this speech if the speaker actually showed you the device and demonstrated its use?
Examples like this illustrate the importance of presentation aids to solidify concepts, capture the audience's attention, and help the audience to remember important points from your speech. This week you learn about the advantages of using presentation aids to support a speech and persuade an audience.
In this Discussion, you watch a speaker using presentation aids for their speech and evaluate the effectiveness of choice and use.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Readings
By Day 3
Watch one of the videos here: https://uark.pressbooks.pub/speaking/chapter/presentation-aids-activities-and-resources/Links to an external site. Then, write 200-300 words addressing the following:
- Compose: Write a brief description of the speech’s topic in the video. Write enough for your readers to feel familiar with the speech without seeing the video.
- Discuss: Explain the presentation aid used by the speaker. Describe what it was and how the speaker used it to support their topic. Give examples.
- Elaborate: Share your thoughts about the presentation aid. Was it effective? Why or why not? What other presentation aid might work better to convey the same message? Explain your answer.
By Day 5
Respond to a minimum of two classmates. Choose posts from classmates who analyzed a different video than the one you watched. This will allow you to explore a variety of presentation aids and techniques. Choose ONE of the questions below to respond to your classmate and write at least 150 words for each response.
- How well do you think the presentation aid your classmate described supported the speaker’s message? How could it have been used differently or improved? Explain your reasoning.
- Suggest another type of presentation aid that could work well for the speech your classmate analyzed. How might this aid make the message clearer or more engaging?
- Reflect on how your classmate’s analysis of the presentation aid has influenced your own understanding of using visual or other aids in public speaking. What will you do differently in your own speeches based on their insights?