Boss Your Speech with a Prop and Succeed

The Conservatives' Political Party Conference has provided some good insights into the art of public speaking in the past. And this year is no exception. Yes, it's fair to say that the Manchester conference was very small. It's barely a patch on previous events. And that's probably not surprising, after their huge defeat at the polls last year. But there was more than enough evidence to suggest some of them know how to boss a speech.

Let's not forget that the Conservative Party conference gave us the morning speech episode involving breakfast. And, of course, there was the applause point episode. And, most memorable of all, we had Theresa May's conference speech nightmare. A horrible moment for any speaker.

However, what caught our eye this year was the use of a prop in a speech by Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Home Secretary. Now, your use of a prop in a speech doesn't have to be
difficult, but there are some techniques to consider.

For those of you at the back of the room who can’t see, I have here a judge’s wig.

Boss Your Speech with Wigs and Tories

The first thing we noticed about the Robert Jenrick use of a prop in his speech was it was a bit of a novelty. A novelty item. The wig that he drew out effectively allowed him to draw attention to the role of the judiciary in the matter of immigration in the country. And that was really as far as it went as an explainer. But he achieved the interest of his audience.

An unbiased mediator: that is what a judge should be.

That is what the vast majority of judges in our legal system do.

They wear the wig. They respect and revere it.

However, when you use a prop, you probably aim to do something else. You probably want to show off a new product, reveal or demonstrate a new feature. Or, perhaps outline a new attribute to a product that your business is selling. And when you do that, then the prop serves an entirely different purpose.

And there are different techniques that you might accommodate.

Props Help You Boss a Speech or Presentation

Other examples of props include Canadian minister Catherine McKenna who attempted to wear an ill-fitting hardhat during her speech. And there was President Trump who also wore a prop for a speech after he was shot in 2024.

Then we also encountered South African President Ramaphosa wrestling with a tight head prop. That was both a superb and valiant public speaking effort.

These police presentation props made a useful impact on a young audience. And that's another consideration, of course. And finally Prime Minister Netanyahu likes to use a prop when he gives a speech. Or is it a visual aid? You decide. But it's probably the sheer unexpectedness that makes the impact.

When you need some ideas or help on how to use a prop when presenting, you'll find plenty of presentation hints and tips for speakers with Time to Market. Because with more than 100 top public speaking tips, there's something for every occasion. And when you need to make an even bigger impact with your speeches, then you can always enroll on an online public speaking course. Or, speak to us about one-to-one coaching.