Designing and Using Visual Aids Visual aids must enhance your speech. They may help accomplish the following goals: •
Aid listeners in processing and retaining information
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Convey information clearly and concisely
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Promote interest and motivation
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Gain the audience’s attention
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Increase persuasive appeal
Designing PowerPoint Slides* •
Leave out information that the presenter can say
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Ensure that all content enhances the verbal message and does not distract from it
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Use phrases, not sentences
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Use parallel structure (all phrases start with a verb or noun and in the same form)
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Use large enough font size
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Spell check
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Use spaces between bullet points; balance the slide
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Use minimal to no animation and sound effects
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Strive for uniformity and consistency; carry your design throughout the presentation
Using Visual Aids •
Control the lighting in the room; determine whether you need to dim the lights
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Use your finger to point to details
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Do not turn your back or side to the audience; keep your feet facing the audience
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Explain what is on the slide (e.g., photograph) and its significance
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Develop a contingency plan in case PowerPoint does not work (e.g., handouts)
*Beebe, S. A., Mottet, T. P. & Roach, K. D. (2012). Training and development: Communicating for success. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. For more on visual aids, see pages 391 and 423-428 in the Real Communication textbook, available in the Public Speaking Center.
Checklist for Effective Visuals for Presentations* Font type, size, and color are consistent across slides Text is large enough to be read from a distance (at least 24 points) There are no more than 12 lines of text per slide Text is clearly organized (e.g., using bullets or numbering) Text is limited to that which is absolutely necessary One main idea or topic is on each slide Color scheme (if any) is consistent Color combinations are carefully considered; bright colors give a professional appearance Only key findings (those related to hypothesis and conclusions) are presented
Example Slides
What%is%Domestic%Violence?% • Physical%
Who$is$affected?$ • Domestic$violence$does$NOT$discriminate$
• Pushing,%slapping,%punching%
• 1%in%4%Women$
• 1,300,000$annually$
• Sexual%%
• 1%in%14%Men$
• Unwanted%sexual%coercion%
• 835,000$annually$
• Emotional%
• 2%million%injuries$
• Frightening/Threatening%
• 1,300$deaths$ $
*Nicol, A.M., & Pexman, P. (2013). Displaying your findings: A practical guide for creating figures, posters, and presentations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Public Speaking Center
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