In order to be effective, a handout needs four qualities.

First, all handouts should include your contact information. If someone wants to contact you, make it as easy as possible.

Second, handouts should summarize, not repeat your presentation. If you give away your PowerPoint slides and they make sense, you weren’t needed.

Third, include your picture with your handout. You want to associate your face with your words.

Fourth, take the time to create handouts that look good. Make them colorful. Add interesting graphics. Use quotes. Jazz ’em up.

Remember, you and the best speakers in the world have something in common. The audience is forgetting what you say…as you are saying it. Handouts help them remember you and your message.