Most skilled speakers hesitate to hand out reading material during a speech. If you do decide to provide handouts, what should be on them?

engaging stories about your topic

images of interesting examples

questions for listeners to answer

a list of web sites to look at later

1 answer

If you decide to provide handouts during your speech, it's important to ensure that they complement your presentation and enhance the audience's understanding. Here are some elements you might consider including:

  1. Key Points and Summary: A concise summary of the main points you covered in your speech can help the audience retain the information.

  2. Engaging Stories: Including brief, engaging anecdotes related to your topic can help reinforce your message and make the handout more interesting.

  3. Visuals: Images of interesting examples or charts related to your topic can enhance understanding and retention. Visuals can make the material more engaging.

  4. Questions for Reflection: Providing questions for listeners to consider or answer can encourage active engagement with the material and help them reflect on the ideas presented.

  5. Further Reading and Resources: A list of relevant websites, books, articles, or other resources can offer the audience avenues for exploration after your speech.

  6. Contact Information: If you're open to follow-up questions or discussions, including your contact details can facilitate further interaction.

Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information; keep it focused and relevant. The goal of the handout should be to enhance their experience and understanding of your speech.