How to make (and use) Visual Aids for Presentations

How to make (and use) Visual Aids for Presentations

Objective: I can list different options for visual aids and analyze what is best for a situation.

What is a visual aid?

• Any slideshow, background, prop, costuming, or other intentional object used to help the audience focus, understand, or engage.
• Merriam-Webster: “something you look at (such as a chart or film) that is used to make something easier to understand.”

Definition
NOTE: In both of these definitions, you are NOT limited to posters and PowerPoints!

Examples of Visual Aids

• Tri-fold poster
• Flip charts
• Flat posters
• PowerPoints or Slideshows
• Props or objects
• Charts & Data
• Brochures
• Video & Audio Clips
• People/costumes

Don’t feel limited!

Are they REALLY necessary?

In short, usually.

• In some speeches or presentations, the person is the visual. We don’t use them for most…
• Debates
• Political speeches
• Press conferences
• Some speeches desperately need visuals for the audience to UNDERSTAND the topic, like…
• Conferences (or TED talks)
• Educational settings
• Business settings
• Product launches

When (and Why) to Use One

Research has proven why they are necessary, too.

• In other words, YOU will do a better job with the presentation, AND your audience will understand AND remember it better!

• Scientists and educators have found that “retention of information three days after a meeting… is six times greater when information is presented by visual and oral means than when the information is presented by the spoken word alone”(Source).
• Some studies suggest that about “83% of human learning occurs visually, and the remaining 17% through the other senses.”
• It is also believed that when a visual aid is used, the speaker does a better job of movement and gestures.

Why should we care?