Types of Visual Aids Models
People speak to audiences every day in schools, offices and meeting halls. Using visual aids helps a speaker to illustrate points to the audience more easily and effectively. For an audience, visual aids can make speeches easier to follow and more interesting.
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Posters
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You can craft a poster in a variety of ways. For example, tape or paste a hand-drawn picture on poster board, or use pictures from other sources. Mount posters on either a chalkboard or an easel to keep your hands free while you're speaking.
Slide Shows
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A slide show effectively illustrates the points you make during a speech. Practice with the equipment and check to be certain that each slide is in the proper order beforehand. Keep the slide show short so that it doesn't become the main focus of your speech.
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Models
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A three-dimensional model also provides a very effective visual aid. If your speech concerns a house, animal or car, for example, you can bring in a smaller version of what you're talking about. Use the model to help the audience understand your key points better. Your model should be large enough for people in the back row to see it.
Videos
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Showing a video can also help an audience to visualize the ideas you present in a speech. The video, however, should probably be short. You should also be familiar with the video equipment used during your speech. Cue up the video to the proper starting place before you begin.
Presentation Software
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Software programs designed for presentations currently constitute a popular visual aid for speakers. Presentation software allows you to show the audience a series of pictures with text, accompanied by music or other audio. Some audiences find this more interesting than other types of visual aids.
Handouts
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Your audience can use handouts to follow along with your speech. This type of visual aid has the advantage of allowing the audience can take the handout with them after the speech. They can then review the speaker's key points later, which isn't possible with other types of visual aids.
Transparencies
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School and office presentations commonly use overhead projectors and transparencies. If you use more than one transparency, check to make sure they're in the proper order. Using this type of visual aid also allows you to write on the transparency to illustrate your points during the speech.
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