Designing your Visual Aids
Why use Visual Aids?
Preparation for your presentation should involve design of any visual aids which help your audience to understand what you are saying. Images and and diagrams can convey messages and information which, if spoken, would take longer to explain and be harder to digest. However, don't assume that you can flash up a diagram and the audience will immediately understand what it means. They need time and clear explanations to make sense of your material. Visual stimuli combined with your oral delivery also make the presentation more memorable. They are also a good way of maintaining your audience's interest and attention. Make sure they support and complement what you are saying, not directly repeat, contradict or distract from your speech.
What is a Visual Aid?
The main types of visual aids are whiteboard, flip chart, overhead projector (OHP), PowerPoint (or other presentation software), video, props, handouts, yourselves demonstrating an action or in a role play. Click here for ideas on incorporating role play.
Which types of visual aid might you use in your next presentation? For example, consider whether PowerPoint is the best way to show a detailed diagram or would a handout be better? What might you use a flip chart for?
What makes an Effective PowerPoint Presentation?
You will probably have your own ideas about this, so think about
how you feel about PowerPoint as a member of the audience and list
good and poor techniques.
Using your Visual Aids:
Here are a few suggestions for making most effective use of your carefully designed visual aids:
Whenever you use technology in a presentation you run the risk of technical problems. You can reduce the risk of this impacting on your presentation by: