Handouts are a useful tool to use in presentations. A handout gives the audience something tangible to take with them. if the boss says, " What did you learn at that presentation you went to yesterday?" the employee can hold up the handout and say "Oh, we learned all kinds of great stuff."

As a retired teacher I've had decades of experience in creating and passing out handouts. The primary goal you want to shoot for as a speaker is not to let passing out and browsing through the handout distract the audience from you. You don't want the handout to break your flow.

Why are handouts helpful?

They help the audience to see the "big picture"

They contain the dense information that you don't have time to cover during your speech. Thus, the handout becomes an extension of what the audience learns at your presentation.

They provide a place for the audience to write notes, questions and comments.

When is the best time to distribute the handouts?

This depends on the purpose of your handout. Sometimes, I use slide presentations that I email to the class right after the speech. This way they have the information but not during the speech when it could be detrimental to focusing their attention. Often, I put the handout on chairs or make them available as audience members arrive. Looking through it gives people something to do and it's a preview of what they can expect from your presentation.

How do I use the handouts to best advantage?

Spend time on your handouts. They should reflect you as a professional. A well-made handout helps establish your credibility before you even begin to speak.

Make your handout interactive if possible. Give them something they need to do with it. Leave blanks for audience to fill in. This helps keep them focused.

If possible, add color to your handout. Humans are very attracted to color.Your handout should also serve as a promotional piece. Include your business logo and contact information. This information needs to be on every page of your handout. An audience member may copy a page and give it to someone else. If your contact information isn't on this page, anyone reading this page will have no idea who wrote it.

Put information in your handout that will encourage participants to keep it. You might include a resource page with places to find additional information on the topic.

Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your handout. Do it as you are creating your presentation. A good handout may be used by your audience members for a long time after the speech ends.

Barbara is a professional speaker, seminar/workshop presenter, staff development trainer with 32 years of classroom experience. She is the current president of FACCMasters Toastmasters Club of Colorado.

Her book, A Teacher's Book of 10s: Best ways to Do Everything in Your Classroom, will be published in the summer of 2011.

Contact Barbara at http://www.barbaratoney.com