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Our presentations, that is, when we speak to clients, owners, stakeholders, boards, councils, students, and colleagues, typically include traditional visual aids. PowerPoint is heavily used, or perhaps more accurately, over used.

On reflection, many of us have access to highly-varied potential prop material, the use of which could enhance our communication effectiveness, especially for visual and kinesthetic learners. These learners prefer to understand by, respectively, seeing and touching or handling objects, in contrast with auditory learners who tend to focus on spoken words.

Given that we rarely know the learning preferences of audience members, we should anticipate that all three types-auditory, visual, and kinesthetic-are likely to be present and plan our presentation accordingly. Accommodating all three learner types will increase the overall listening level of your audience.

Consider these actual illustrations of using props to enhance communication:

o An engineer was trying to explain various consequences of leaks in municipal water distribution systems. To illustrate one kind of damage he brought to the meeting and used a large, heavy brass valve that had been deeply eroded-several inches-as a result of proximity to a water jet issuing from a hole in a water main.

o A city administrator occasionally brought a baseball bat to meetings to, as he said, “get attention” (hopefully symbolically).

o A consultant was speaking to college seniors about “10 Tips for Achieving Success and Significance.” A memorable prop was used for each tip. For example, the speaker held a crystal vase drawing parallels between it and one’s reputation. Each person’s reputation, like a hand-crafted vase, is unique. Major time and effort goes into building a reputation and in creating a crystal vase. Once shattered, a reputation, like the vase, is impossible to restore.

o A professor used a rectangular cross-section foam beam, with longitudinal parallel lines drawn on it, to show tension and compression.

Perhaps my thoughts about recognizing different types of learners, especially the visual and kinesthetic learners, reinforced with the prop examples provided above, will stimulate you to think in a fresh way to use props to fully utilize your speaking opportunities. As noted by consultant Mel Hensey, “communication is not what is intended, but what is received by others.” Judicious use of props will help others receive what you intended them to receive.

Present buying always takes a long time to complete because you want to make sure you are getting the best gift possible. You want this present to be thoughtful and useful at the same time. This is where many people fail.

They buy presents that people could use but have put no thought into whether the person actually likes it or not. This is why buying funny t-shirts are great present ideas.

Everyone wears t-shirts because they are such a versatile piece of a person’s wardrobe. When you buy funny ones for people who appreciate a good sense of humor, you are adding in the thoughtful part of the gift equation.

Most people end up buying clothing as presents anyway, so you might as well make sure the person actually will wear the clothing you buy. By buying something as personal as funny t-shirts, you are ensuring that they actually will like the shirt.

They will not feel obligated to wear it, but instead they will want to wear the shirt. Because they like a good sense of humor, they will value the fact that you took the time to find a humorous shirt for them. You will score bonus points if you find one that matches their quirky sense of humor.

Because funny t-shirts are small so and inexpensive, you will feel good about yourself because you will be able to get them multiple presents.

You will not have to break the bank to give someone a great birthday or graduation. Regardless of the occasion, these shirts will make an impact as a great gift. Although you will be buying the person clothing, you will not have to feel bad about your decision. You did not make this shirt your last resort gift like most clothing usually is.

You thought this out and knew that they would love this humor on their shirts.

In addition, using funny t-shirts as presents is a good idea because they are so versatile. You are not stuck buying them only for one demographic or person.

Both men and women of most ages will appreciate this humor. It can be a unique piece of clothing in their wardrobe that they are able to dress up or dress down depending on the occasion.

The next time you are in need of a present for the humorous person in your life, consider turning these humorous shirts into a great present.