Presenting the Topic Visually

Consider the following five criteria when using visual aids:

1. Consider the audience 2. Be focused 3. Keep it simple 4. Make it big 5. Make it attractive

Chalkboards and whiteboards

These aids are among the simplest and most available media. They are easy to use and have little possibility of technical failure. Speakers can draw or record main points and explanations as the presentation proceeds. However, in order to effectively use chalkboards or whiteboards, a speaker must write clearly and be skilled in drawing graphs or diagrams

Flip charts

These are large pads of paper which contain charts or graphs that may be used as the presentation progresses. They offer the convenience of chalkboards with the preparedness of professional-looking charts and graphs. They are also convenient for rooms that don't have whiteboards or chalkboards available or where boards are not installed in places that are easy for the audience to see. Pages can be taped to the walls so that the audience can view the progression of the speech or presentation. Flip charts are especially helpful in brainstorming sessions

Graphs

These visual aids are an effective means to illustrate statistical information. They translate numerical data into pictorial symbols that can be more easily understood or processed. Graphs come in several forms including pie graphs, bar graphs, picture graphs, and line graphs

Overhead transparencies

Transparencies are clear plastic sheets upon which images may be printed. When laid upon an overhead projector, the transparency's image is cast on the wall or screen for everyone to see. Desktop publishing and presentation computer programs allow users to create transparencies from files that contain pictures, graphs, charts, and other types of visual aids. LCD projectors allow speakers to project slides (which they create on the software systems previously mentioned) onto a wall or screen. The combination of these projectors and the software also allows speakers to use animation and synchronized sound with the slides. Overhead transparencies are used more often than slides because they also allow for enlargements of charts and maps; in addition, most classrooms or presentation rooms have overhead projectors available. Again, the speaker should become familiar with the equipment

Bar graphs

Use bars or columns to compare related sources of information with

Models

If an object cannot be used as a visual aid, a speaker might want to use a model. A model is a replica of an object, but smaller and/or more manageable. For example, a model would be useful if you were giving a speech on World War II tanks. It would be impossible to bring a full-size tank into a classroom, and a drawing or a photograph wouldn't allow you to demonstrate the various functions of a tank—the turning of the turret, the rolling of the tread, and the positioning of the gun. With a working model, however, you could demonstrate the tank's operations

Audio/video

In addition to visual aids, audio/video aids add variety, realism, and interest to a presentation. Audio aids—such as CDs—should be used primarily to supplement a visual presentation. For example, a speaker might have background music for a slide presentation. In special cases, such as a presentation on classical music, the speaker might want to use audio aids apart from any type of visual aid. Audiovisual aids such as films and videos combine the effects of visual aids and audio aids. Because of their power to draw attention, both audio aids and audio/video aids should be used only when they support the main topic

Charts

Like graphs, charts handle statistical information. Charts serve to summarize facts or statistics into a visually pleasing presentation. They are most effective when information is kept to a minimum and letters and numbers are clearly printed. To ensure that everyone in the audience can see the chart, use a large, dark font against a light-colored background. Bright colors can be helpful but should be chosen carefully. Maps, like photographs, should be enlarged so that everyone in the audience can see them. Highlight certain regions or pathways, if necessary, with distinguishing colors such as red, bright blue, or black. These highlights will help keep the audience focused on significant features

Handouts

Next to chalkboards, handouts are the simplest media for visual aids. Professional-looking handouts can easily be created with the use of a desktop publishing program and a color printer. Handouts give an audience evidence of the speaker's claims to take home with them and further consider. When using handouts, consider the best time to distribute them. If a speaker wants to hand them out at the beginning, it may be useful for the handouts to be incomplete, encouraging the audience to listen to the speaker and fill in the missing parts. If the handouts will be given at the end, it is generally best for them to be complete and to offer further information for those interested in pursuing the topic in depth

Objects

One of the best ways to underscore a point or explain a complex process is to use a physical object. Objects give a speaker something tangible to show the audience; and they appeal to the tactile learners, giving the audience something they can touch or immediately see. When presenting evidence in court, attorneys hold up objects to a jury—a weapon, a piece of clothing—in order to make their arguments more plausible, more real. Using an object can be just as effective for a speaker. For example, if you are giving an informative speech on painting china, you could bring in some samples of your work for the audience to examine

Photographs

One of the simplest and most widely used ways to add interest to a presentation is to use photographs. For photographs to be effective, they must be enlarged to a size that can be seen by everyone in the audience. It is best to display photographs on an easel or on a chalkboard to the side of the speaker rather than pass around an individual photograph. The best means of presenting a photograph is through the use of a slide projector or LCD projector that presents computer files enlarged on a screen

Picture graphs

Pictorial representations of numerical data

Slides

Use slides to enlarge two-dimensional visual aids such as photographs, charts, graphs, and maps. They may be created in specialized computer programs such as PowerPoint®, Persuasion®, or Corel Presentations®. Slides require a projector and the skills to operate it. If a speaker chooses to use a projector, he or she should prepare for technical emergencies. The speaker should become familiar with the equipment and know how to change bulbs and troubleshoot common problems

Line graphs

Used to demonstrate the relationship between two factors

Pie graphs

Used to show the percentile division of data

When developing a visual aid, ask the following questions:

What type of visual aid would best illustrate my topic and be most interesting to my audience? What colors would be most appropriate for this audience? What symbols would my audience understand? Are there any symbols that my audience might find offensive?