Presentation Aids
Types of
Presentation Aids
-
Models: Actual,
tangible objects that allow the audience to see what you are describing.
-
Graphs and Charts:
Representations of Qualititative Information Typically - eases audience
absorbtion of quantitative information.
-
Pie Charts - shows proportions of the whole
-
Bar Graphs - Comparision of quantities
-
Line Graphs - Typically, quantity changing
over time
-
Video clips: Can
reference events and illustrate processes or actions - Limit these to 30
seconds or less in short speeches, 60-90 seconds (normally) in longer
speeches.
-
PowerPoint Slides
(or, alternatively, Prezi):
-
Can be used to show Charts and Graphs,
Visually reinforce main and/or sub-points (structure, embed other
aids (photos, videos, music, etc.)
-
Should reinforce rather than distract from
the oral presentation
-
Show the slide only when talking about
what it reinforces. The spoken word should be at the heart of
your presentation not your visual aids.
-
Limit the amount of information/words on
each slide. Use the 7/4 rule (no more than seven words on
a line and no more than four lines on a slide).
-
Don't use movement on a slide.
Tips on Using Audio/Visual Aids
- KISS
- Keep It Simple (Stupid)!
- Rehearse
with your visual aid if at all possible to avoid surprise malfunctions.
Whenever possible check the technology in advance. And have a backup
plan!
- Set
up the aid in advance if possible to avoid distracting set up activity at
the start of your speech.
-
Reference the aid explicitly when you reveal it.
- Talk
to the audience, not to the visual aid. Don’t use a visual aid if you don’t
intend to discuss it.
- Don’t
reveal the visual aid until the time you intend to discuss it.
- Consider
visibility for your audience.
- Is
the V.A. large enough to be seen at the back of the room?
- Have you used low contrast colors that
can’t be easily seen? [Normally avoid yellow, purple, violet and orange]
-
Consider a dark background with light colored fonts.
- Have you placed the V.A. in a location where the
view is not blocked (by you, the podium, etc.)?
- Keep
the visual aid simple (complex charts and graphs distract usually) and
relevant to the point you are making.
- In
COMM 101 provide the instructor with your files in advance (at least 15
minutes) if you intend to use the classroom computer to present the aid.
|