Page 362 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 12 Using Media in Your Speech 329

able methods: blackboards (or whiteboards), poster boards, fl ip charts, overhead
transparencies, handouts, audio recordings, and audiovisual recordings.

Blackboards and Whiteboards

Chalkboards or erasable marker whiteboards are sometimes useful for putting
up brief information. For example, a phone number, an address, or a few key
words can be quickly placed on a chalkboard. However, to use this as your sole
or major visual means of support is not wise. For one thing, you have to turn
your back on your audience in order to use the board. Anything more extensive
than a few words will take longer to write than you would need for a prepared
visual aid, such as an overhead transparency.
In short, the chalkboard is of limited use to most speakers. Erasable marker
whiteboards have one advantage: their white background and the availability
of multicolored markers make them more interesting to use than the traditional
black or green chalkboard. However, you still have to take your eyes off your
audience and turn your back in order to use them effectively.

Poster Board

Poster board is one of the most common mediums used by students for their
speeches. A well-drawn and lettered poster board can signifi cantly enhance an
audience’s response to a speech. By the same token, poorly drawn or lettered
poster boards detract from both the speaker’s credibility and the content of the
speech.
Poster boards are well suited to speakers who are just learning to comple-
ment their content and delivery with visual media. You can draw diagrams and
charts on poster board, and you can use poster board to mount illustrations,
photographs, and maps. No matter how you use poster boards, however, take
care both in their construction and in how you display them as you deliver your
speech.
As is the case with any presentational medium, poster boards should add
something to your speech that would otherwise be missing. Construct them in as
professional a manner as possible. This doesn’t mean
that you have to hire a graphic artist, but it does mean
taking advantage of these basic guidelines.
• Draw illustrations, diagrams, or charts with
colored marking pens.
• Use rub-on letters and numerals for your text.
• Use colored poster board only if it contrasts
markedly with the lettering you use.
• Choose very sturdy poster board, preferably
with a foam core.
• Use an easel whenever possible.
Flimsy posters have a tendency to curl up or fall
over at the most inopportune times as you deliver your This diagram is mounted on poster board. The
speaker uses pointer to focus attention on a spe-
speech. Posters should be on an easel that is high
cifi c area.
enough to be visible to all of your audience. Finally,