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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.

Presentations are what make the business world move. Presentations to the new client to make that big sell, presentations to your boss to convince him you deserve that raise, presentations to your company to sell your new idea. No matter what the task at hand, most likely a presentation will be a key part of accomplishing your goals.

That’s why it is so important to have the right office supplies – the right presentation products – to ensure a successful meeting, sales pitch and killer presentation. The first thing to consider when preparing your presentation is who is your audience. This will help determine what type of office supplies you will need to produce your presentation before the actual meeting. For example:

Meeting with your boss – many times, a simple staple or paper clip to bind the presentation will do.

Company meeting – a bound presentation using a report cover or portfolio is the minimum. Many times it’s best to use a binding machine and standard binding covers and spines to produce a professional looking document.

Big sales meeting – here you definitely want to use a bound document using a binding machine. High quality premium binding covers and binding spines translate an air of professionalism and quality in your organization to help get your presentation noticed and stand out from the crowd.

Basic staplers and paper clips are simple. For binding machines and supplies, we recommend using either GBC brand or Fellowes binding machines and supplies. Both offer a variety of manual and electric machines and punches for your every need. For that ultra professional look, we recommend using the ProClick line from GBC, or possibly a wire binding machine that has an even more finished look.

Now it’s time to think about the presentation itself. If the meeting is in your facility, you will need a large size dry erase board – we recommend the Quartet brand – and plenty of dry erase markers from Sanford. Sometimes, a board on the wall doesn’t work for an organization and they want a more mobile solution. This calls for portable easels with a dry erase surface for taking notes, also from Quartet.

Lastly, you may need multiple devices to make your presentation go smoothly. A Kensington laser pointer with built in ability to click through your presentation is a nice touch. Using high quality 3M projection screens and projectors also ensures your technology will be up to speed.

Office superstores and online office products stores typically carry the quality kinds of presentation products you need. They feature brands you can trust like Avery, ACCO, 3M, GBC, Quartet and Fellowes. Many offer next day delivery, and also carry a complete line of basic office supplies from ink and toner and paper to office binders and filing supplies. In addition, today’s new independent online office supply stores have full ranges of products for everything you need in the office today:

Office Technology Products like Logitech keyboards, Kensington mice, Hewlett Packard printers, Brother copiers and faxes and Fellowes shredders.

Office Furniture like HON desks, Innovera chairs, Global bookcases, Safco storage cabinets and Iceberg folding tables.

Janitorial Supplies, Beverages and Snacks like coffee servers, paper plates and utensils, candy, paper towels and tea bags.

Cleaning Supplies like bathroom and kitchen cleaners, mops, brooms, soap and facial tissue.

So remember, to make the best first impression possible, you need presentation products that fit the audience you are meeting with. Use these helpful tips for smooth sailing and successful business presentations.