Chapter 14: Using Visual Aids in Public Speaking

Visual Aid Advantages

Clarity, Interest, Retention, Credibility, Persuasiveness.

Kinds of Visual Aids

Objects & models, Photos & drawings, Graphs, Charts, Video, The speaker.

Photos & Drawings

Enlarge for audience, Avoid passing, Display with presentation technology.

Graphs

Show statistical trends & patterns.

Line Graph

Uses one or more lines to show changes over time.

Pie Graph

Highlights segments of circle to show distribution patterns.

Bar Graph

Uses vertical or horizontal bars to show comparisons.

Charts

Summarize large block of info, usually as list, Help listeners visualize info, Show steps of process, Keep simple & clear.

Video

Keep short, Cue to start of clip, Integrate smoothly, Avoid low-resolution.

The Speaker

Use body to demonstrate procedure, Practice to coordinate words & actions.

Presentation Technology

Combines several audio-visual materials, Use strategically, Use to enhance specific points, Don't overpower presentation, Don't read from screen.

Preparing Visual Aids

Prepare well in advance, Keep simple, Make large enough, Limit amount of text.

Effective Fonts

Clear, easy to read, Normal case, Two per slide, Standardized across slides, Properly sized titles, body text.

Effective Colors

High contrast, Easy to see, Limited number, Consistent across slides.

Strategic Images

Large enough, High-resolution, Clear, simple, Title included on slide.

Presenting Visual Aids

Display where listeners can see, Avoid passing, Display only while discussing, Explain clearly, concisely.

More on Presenting Visual Aids

Talk to audience, not to visual aid, Practice with visual aids, Check room & equipment.