Should speakers visually reference presentational aids even if they do not directly look at them?

The correct answer highlights the importance of engaging with presentational aids during a speech. While it’s ideal for speakers to maintain eye contact with their audience, visually referencing presentational aids—such as slides, charts, or props—can enhance the audience’s understanding of the content being discussed. This can be achieved through gestures or glances toward the aids, which serve to emphasize key points or provide visual context without the speaker having to directly fixate on them.

Furthermore, referring to presentational aids creates a connection between the spoken word and the visual support, allowing the audience to follow along more easily. Even if direct eye contact with the aids isn’t maintained, acknowledging their presence demonstrates confidence and reinforces the message, ultimately making the presentation more effective.