Using Visual Aids In A PresentationOne of the great things about giving presentations, besides the fun nausea and extreme cases of nerves (just kidding), is that you don't have to follow the rules of engagement to the exact letter. Leaving room for personality and creativity to roam is an exceptional way of drawing attention to the subject you are discussing and achieving greater understanding from your audience. Using visual aids in a presentation is a wonderful way to get your point across, give your audience something else to focus on, and maybe show off your technical ability. There are some important dos and don'ts attached to this practice however. Let's take a look at some of the things you should do when preparing your visual aids for presentation. Most experts in the field of communications suggest creating a dark background for your text. Think colors like black and deep purple for the best results. The text or words themselves show up best on this type of background when they are white or pale yellow. This format is perfect for highlighting your main points and drawing attention to the supporting facts as well.
In your PowerPoint, or whatever type of presentation software package you are using, you can also create slides or pictures to support the information in your presentation. We aren't talking about a slide presentation of your trip to the zoo; it's more about pictures to give the audience a visual image of the main points of your talk. It's important to not too many photos or images. You may feel that it distracts from what you are trying to say. Many people will be more interested in seeing what you are projecting than what you are saying and that limits the effectiveness of your speech. While helpful when used in moderation, too much is not a good thing. There are a few key elements you should heed while using your visual aids in your presentation. Never under circumstances should you block the audience's view of the screen. You may find it necessary to move around quite a bit to make sure everyone has a chance to see the information on screen. An even better option is to place the screen in one of the front corners of the room. That way there is nothing, including you, in the way. Some public speakers like to use a pointer of some kind. Depending on your personal preference and the venue capabilities, you can use either a laser pointer or the more traditional wooden. It isn't essential that you have this tool, but many speakers like to have something in their hands. Using visual aids in a presentation is a great way to add a new exciting element into your presentation. The biggest rule is to not overdo and to keep the focus primarily on the information presented. |