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

1. KISS  - Keep It Simple (Stupid)!
2. 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!
3. Set up the aid in advance if possible to avoid distracting set up activity at the start of your speech.
4. Reference the aid explicitly when you reveal it.
5. Talk to the audience, not to the visual aid.  Don’t use a visual aid if you don’t intend to discuss it.
6. Don’t reveal the visual aid until the time you intend to discuss it. 
7. Consider visibility for your audience. 
   1. Is the V.A. large enough to be seen at the back of the room?  
   2. Have you used low contrast colors that can’t be easily seen? [Normally avoid yellow, purple, violet and orange]
   3. Consider a dark background with light colored fonts.
   4. Have you placed the V.A. in a location where the view is not blocked (by you, the podium, etc.)?
8. Keep the visual aid simple (complex charts and graphs distract usually) and relevant to the point you are making.
9. 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.