Using visual aids

When using visual aides try to ask yourself how you can demonstrate your point in the clearest and most interesting way given the audience and facilities.

• Use visuals to
  • Open the presentation and focus your audience
  • Present the agenda
  • Highlight key points and facts
  • Act as transitions between topics
  • Close the presentation and reaffirm key points

• Know what type of visuals are available and weigh the benefits of each: PowerPoint, flip charts, slides, etc.

• Plan where visuals fit into the presentation

• Keep each visual simple

• Visuals should be:
  • Clear and large enough to read
  • Accurate
  • Attractive
  • Have one key point per visual

• Minimize words, use bullet points rather than complete sentences

• Use colored graphics rather than text wherever possible

• Try to use only two or three colors

• Avoid pages of numbers, use graphs or charts instead
  • Use pie charts to show how proportions relate to a whole
  • Use graphs for showing trends and changes
  • Use bar charts for comparisons

• Display the visual only when it relates to the point you are making

• Avoid
  • Standing in front of your visual
  • Speaking to your visual

Related topics:

• Planning your presentation
• Preparing a draft presentation
• Delivering a presentation
• Handling questions