Using props in a presentation may come as an afterthought for most presenters, but they can amplify your presentation into something much more dynamic. Take this TED Talk by director, writer, and producer J.J. Abrams:
He used a mystery box to shape his entire presentation. Abrams breaks down his appeal to making some of the most popular action and adventure movies by using props, videos, and a metaphor.
Props:
Props can create clarity and make a presentation memorable. Abrams talks about how his interest for movies began as a child, through his fascination with magic tricks. He pulls out the mystery box, and uses storytelling to tie in how the mystery box inspired him to make movies.
Videos:
J.J. Abrams is well known for his action and adventure movies and TV shows (like Lost, Star Trek, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens), so it’s no surprise he would include video clips from his own work. But he also uses video from other films to illustrate his point. For instance, while Abrams talked about keeping characters instead of spectacle at the center of great storytelling, he used Jaws as an example of how the movie isn’t really about a shark, but about a father’s place in the world.
Read More: Best Practices for Using Video in Presentations
Metaphor:
The mystery box is a great example for using a metaphor in a presentation. Abrams constructs his TED Talk around it, with the mystery box serving as a tool for him to talk about his personal history, his love for film and storytelling, and how the box represents infinite possibility.
For your next presentation, try incorporating video and props. Not only are they entertaining for your audience, but they are a great way to illustrate your points and cement your narrative.
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The Power of a Visual Metaphor
