Visual Aids for Effective Communication (Chapter 10)

Readable text and clearly visible images are a must for any visual aid you use

5x5 rule - have no more than 5 lines of text on a slide, and no more than 5 words per line; 25 words per slide. Images used should be clear and sharp; limit number of images used; should be carefully placed and sized.

Don't talk to your visual aid

A quick glance at your visual aid as you initially present it; A guiding look as you actually point to something; You should make every effort to keep your eyes and your focus on your audience members.

Charts

Advantages: can fit a lot of data on charts. Potential Challenges: not as visually stimulating and lead less of an impression on the viewer. May include too much information and thus confuse the audience.

Presentation Technology (PowerPoint)

Advantages: can integrate a variety of visual aids into one presentation. Potential Challenges: speakers could rely on it too heavily.

Objects

Advantages: shed light on your message and can make a powerful impression. Potential Challenges: may be difficult to use.

Drawings and Photographs

Advantages: useful in conveying something you're describing; useful when a model or object isn't available. Potential Challenges: must be large enough for whole audience to see; any text must also be legible for everyone to see.

Video

Advantages: video can really make a point. Potential Challenges: if too long, poorly edited, or set up improperly; it will take away from the speech itself. Poor resolution and other technical issues can be detrimental.

Use variety

An actual example or model of an item you are discussing. Bringing in a 3D printer, samples of what can be printed, or demonstrating how to use the printer. Using a blackboard, whiteboard, or even large flip charts on easels to illustrate ideas. Record audience responses might be a great visual representation of your core message concepts.

Graphs

Complicated figures become visual images that convey statistical information and numerical data in ways an audience can easily understand. Potential Challenges: make sure the information is easy to understand; pie - make sure segments aren't too large, ideally 2-5.

Technology Independent

Don't depend on technology and use it as a crutch; be prepared for it to fail.

Simple

Easy for your audience to understand: Any visual aid you use should be designed so that your audience can see and understand the key concept within 10-15 seconds. Each visual aid should make/have as a label a single statement contributing to your message, and have an accompanying image to demonstrate that statement.

Pie graph

Good for representing different slices or segments of information related to a specific topic.

Line graph

Has an x and y axis and a line correlating with statistical information. Such a graph can illustrate the change in sea levels or the decrease in land line telephone usage over time.

Keep in Mind...

Have a clear message, Be selective, Use variety, Explain and display, Don't talk to your visual aid.

Be selective

Have no more than 1-2 visual aids per main point.

You central message or point

Is the central or main element of your presentation. In order for your presentation to be effective, your message must be at the center of your presentation.

When you do show a visual

It is important to explain how the visual aid connects to your message and any detailed content you want your audience to understand. You should never show something to your audience without commentary.

Have a clear message

Make sure you message is clear before you consider adding visuals.

Add information to your presentation

Make sure your images add to your presentation and that you are using images appropriately.

Five Rules for SMART Visual Aids

S - Simple, M - Memorable, A - Add information, R - Readable, T - Technology Independent.

Memorable

Striking to the eye by limiting the amount of text and adding color. Color should be used as an accent to showcase the features of your visual aid that give your audience insight into your message.

Bar graph

Well suited for comparing and contrasting two or more things.

Explain and display

You should only show your visual aid when you are talking about it or explaining it to your audience. When you are not directly commenting on your visual aid it should not be on display.