How to Create and Deliver a Clear Presentation Call to Action
How to structure a presentation to tell a story
Carefully chosen visual aids or props can increase your chances of success when speaking. Whether you're showcasing a fundraising campaign or explaining the impact of your charity's work, high-quality visual aids can make your message more compelling and engaging. Here's why you should invest in visuals for your next charity presentation and how you can do it effectively.
This post is part of our series of articles on presentation and public speaking advice for charities.
Download the Charity Presentation Skills Guide here
What is a visual aid within a presentation?
A visual aid in a presentation is any graphic or multimedia element used to enhance communication and engage the audience.
This can include slides, charts, images, videos, or infographics designed to simplify complex information or add emotional impact.
When used well, visual aids support the speaker's message without distracting from it, ensuring clarity and focus.
Should I use props in my next presentation?
Visual aids, such as objects, images, and videos, are more than just supporting elements; they can be integral to successfully transmitting your message. Humans are wired to process visual information faster than text. In fact, research shows that visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text. This means a striking image or a well-designed chart can communicate a message more powerfully than a paragraph of words ever could. Plus, let’s face it, visual aids are more interesting than ‘just’ the sound of a voice!
In presentations used by charities and other purpose-driven organisations, visuals are even more important because they can:
- Evoke Emotion: Powerful images can help your audience connect emotionally with your cause.
- Enhance Understanding: Complex data can be simplified into charts or infographics, making it easier for your audience to grasp key points.
- Engage Your Audience: A picture is worth a thousand words, and a well-placed image or prop can keep your audience’s attention on the key points you're making.
How can I effectively use props in my presentation?
1. Keep Slides Simple
When using slides, less is often more. Avoid the temptation to clutter your slides with excessive text or data. Instead, let the visuals do the talking. Aim for a clean, simple design that enhances your message without overwhelming your audience.
Use:
- Short, impactful headlines: A few words that capture your point.
- Bullet points: Keep them concise and focused on key takeaways.
- Whitespace: Ensure your slides are not overcrowded—allow your audience space to absorb the visuals.
By keeping your slides simple, you avoid distractions and allow your audience to focus on your core message. The visuals should serve as a supporting tool, not the main event.
2. Choose Powerful Images or Objects
The items you choose can make or break your presentation. Aim for high-quality photos and props that evoke emotion, tell a story, or illustrate the impact of your charity’s work.
For example:
- Impactful before-and-after images: Show the difference your charity has made with visual evidence.
- Images of, or props from, the people or communities you serve: Let your audience see the real faces and objects behind your cause.
- Action shots: Show people in action—whether it’s a volunteer helping, a child receiving education, or a community benefiting from your project.
Remember: props that evoke emotion—whether through hope, triumph, or empathy—are far more impactful. Choose items that truly reflect the spirit of your cause.
3. Test the Visibility of Your Props
It’s crucial that your visuals are clear and visible from anywhere in the room. There’s nothing worse than presenting a beautiful image or data chart only for it to be unreadable to those sitting far away.
- Item size: Can your prop be seen from the back of the room? If you are using slides, then ensure text is large enough to be read from the back of the room. Aim for at least 30-point font for main text.
- Contrast: Use high contrast between text and background. Dark text on a light background is usually easiest to read.
- Resolution: Use high-resolution images and graphics that won’t appear pixelated when projected onto a large screen.
Take time before your presentation to test your visuals and props, ensuring they’re visible, clear, and easy to digest for everyone in the audience.
Key Takeaways for Using Props in a Presentation
- Simplify your slides: Use minimal text and focus on key points. Let your visuals reinforce your message.
- Choose impactful images or object : Use photos and items that evoke emotion and illustrate the positive change your charity creates.
- Ensure visibility: Make sure your visuals are clear, readable, and engaging from any seat in the room.
In Conclusion: Why Props Matter in successful Charity Presentations
Incorporating high-quality props into your charity presentations isn’t just about making things look pretty. It’s about using visuals strategically to amplify your message, keep your audience engaged, and inspire action. By choosing the right images and keeping your props simple, you can create a more engaging and effective presentation that resonates with your audience and motivates them to support your cause.
So next time you prepare for a presentation, think about how you can use props to bring your message to life. A well-designed slide, a powerful photo, or an impactful video can be the key to making your message stick and inspiring your audience to take action.
Explore more Charity Presentation Skills advice!
This article is a part of our complete guide to Outstanding Presentation Skills for Charities and Purpose-Driven Organisations (it’s a catchy title, isn’t it?!).
The guide shares top tips, tricks and techniques to make all aspects of your charity presentations super effective. It is completely focused on helping you to highlight the impact that you are making and to achieve your charitable goals.
You can view all of the articles within the guide at the links below, or download a quick guide here.
- How do I measure my presentation success?
- How should I start my presentation?
- How do I connect with my presentation audience?
- How do I be concise in a presentation?
- How can I tailor my presentation to the audience?
- How do I highlight impact, within my presentations?
- How can I make my presentation truly compelling?
- How should I use emotion and logic in a presentation?
- How can I add audience participation into my presentation?
- How do I write a clear presentation Call To Action (CTA)?
- How do I successfully use technology in a presentation?
- How can I use a story structure to make my presentation more engaging?
- How do I use visual aids in a presentation?
- How do I use props in a presentation?
- How do I include testimonials in my presentation?
- How should I rehearse my presentation?
- How to prepare for a Question and Answer (Q&A) session?
- How do I improve my presentations?
Meet your charity public speaking expert...
Hi!
I’m Rich Watts and I design and deliver presentation skills training for charities (and a host of other organisations too!) that need their people to inspire, persuade and motivate audiences. I am fortunate enough to have won the UK Business Speaker of the Year competition way back in 2012, and since then I have been using all of my geeky knowledge and Third Sector experience to help charities like yours.
