Discussion #3 - 10/26

Response to Reading

Chapter 11 was mainly about the different kinds of presentation media that can be used to supplement our speeches. While presentation media may or may not be required in some speeches, I believe they enhance speeches in many ways. The book definitely goes over the main advantages of having presentation media included in our speeches. They can be used to illustrate points, draw attention to a certain topic, clarify a point, support an argument, and they promote better retention of your speech by the audience. I use presentation media for two main reasons. Firstly, I like to illustrate points and show graphic examples during my speech so that the audience gains a better understanding of my topic. And secondly, I always include a succinct outline of my speech in the presentation media (for instance a slideshow) allowing my audience to follow a road map of where my speech is headed. This way, without being distracted, my audience can really understand my thoughts and the speech.

Presentation media are very useful for any speech, as long as they don't distract you from directing your speech at the audience. Although I am a firm believer in using media in my speeches, I often have to question whether the use of one type over another would distract my audience and my own attention or not. For example, if I were to use printed our copies of all my visual aids instead of putting them on a slideshow, I may distract the audience's attention while they scan my print outs. It's important to evaluate which presentation works best in our public-speaking scenario.