How to Use Visual Aids During a Speech

Using visual aids is a good way to make your speech more clear, effective and memorable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Rulers
• Markers
• Publishing Softwares
• Laser Pointers
• Easels
• Extension Cords
• Masking Tape
• Protractors
• Drafting Compasses
• Slide Projectors
• Poster Boards
• Overhead Projectors
• Overhead Sheets
• Flip Charts
• Calculators

Deciding on a Visual Aid

1. Use a line graph to demonstrate how something has changed over a period of time.
2. Opt for a bar graph to compare data.
3. Consider a pie chart to show how percentages relate to each other within a whole.
4. Use an organizational chart to show chain of command, communication between departments and how different departments are related.
5. Try a flow chart to illustrate a series of steps in a procedure, decision, or other "stepwise" process.
6. Take advantage of slides to illustrate key points for large audiences; overheads are better for illustrating key points for smaller audiences.
7. Consider a flip chart as an easy, cost-effective way to illustrate key points for audiences of 50 people or fewer.
8. Make your presentation memorable with props, when appropriate.

Charts, Graphs and Flip Charts

9. Put an appropriate amount of information and data on each chart or graph. Too much data can overwhelm the audience and be difficult to remember.
10. Triple-check all numerical values. A slight error in just one number can discredit your entire presentation.
11. Make pie chart slices match their percentage values. A slice indicating 10 percent should account for 10 percent of the total pie. Make sure slices are accurate by multiplying their percentage values by 360 (i.e. 10 percent of 360 is 36) and measuring an appropriate angle with a protractor (36 degrees in our example).
12. Keep your bar graphs in two dimensions. Three-dimensional bar graphs are difficult to read accurately.
13. Add graphics to your charts and graphs, but be discriminating. If there are too many or they're too large, they will distract your audience.
14. Print large, fat letters and numbers on your flip charts so that the data will be visible from the back of the room.
15. Write in the top two-thirds of each flip chart sheet.
16. Use dark colors (black and blue work best). Avoid using lighter colors such as yellow, orange and pink.
17. Consider a variety of darker colors to make your charts more visually stimulating.
18. Make simple drawings on your charts, especially when it comes to human figures.
19. Leave two blank sheets between each chart, because flip-chart paper can be thin and semi-transparent.
20. Use correction fluid to correct any errors you make while preparing. Your audience won't be able to see it.
21. Test your charts' effectiveness by trying to read them from far away. If you can't read them, start again using larger figures.

Slides and Overheads

22. Darken the room slightly so that your slides will be properly visible.
23. Leave each slide up for at least 20 seconds.
24. If you need to discuss something else between two slides, insert a blank (black) slide between the two slides so that your audience won't be distracted.
25. Use software templates to create professional-looking overheads.
26. Number your overheads in case you accidentally drop them.
27. Apply masking tape to the edges of the projector not covered by the overhead to avoid glare.
28. Use fewer overheads by showing only one part of a single overhead at a time.
29. Stand next to the screen (not the projector) after you place each overhead on the projector. This way, your audience doesn't have to look back and forth between you and the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decide to use slides or overheads, make sure you're familiar with the equipment involved and the lighting system of the room you'll be working in.
• Leave enough time before your presentation to prepare your visual aids adequately. If you don't have much time, overheads and flip charts are a good choice.
• Flip charts are easy to use and inexpensive, but don't work well for audiences of more than 50 people.
• You can prepare your sheets in advance or write on them as you present.
• Don't write too much text on a single page.
• Number your slides in case you accidentally drop them.
• Overheads have an advantage over slides in that their order of presentation is flexible. The disadvantage is that they don't work well for larger audiences.
• Use an overhead projector with two bulbs to allow for quick and easy bulb replacement. Bring an extension cord and adapter with you if using an overhead projector.
• Your presentation shouldn't rely too heavily on visual aids. They should support, not comprise, your presentation.

Who Can Help:

• Find Cable, Networking & Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.