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.” Merriam-Webster 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

 In other words, YOU will do a better job with the presentation, AND your audience will understand AND remember it better! Research has proven why they are necessary, too. 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).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?

Besides, YOU should care!  Any careers involving marketing, communications, social media, politics, business, science, or technology may ALL require you to present at some point, to:  Customers, reporters, government officials, local leaders, clients, academics, professors, bosses, etc. Are they necessary? Image sourcesource

Not convinced? Watch this short video and see how he effectively uses his visuals. Are they necessary?

How do you decide?  It depends on:  Your content  Your audience  The requirements of your boss/teacher  Your genre  The resources available  How you want to be viewed/ judged Types of Visual Aids

Guidelines for Visual Aids  Prepare it in advance  Keep them simple  Make sure they are large enough  Easy to read (no goofy fonts)  Limit number of words  Use color Types of Visual Aids

Guidelines for Presenting Visual Aids  Avoid using the chalkboard  Display aids where audience can see them  Avoid passing items around  Display aids only when discussing them  Talk to audience, not to visual aid  Explain all visual aids  PRACTICE with visual aids

 Though most people agree that props and other kinds of visuals are great, slideshows still dominate much of the presenting in the Western World.  This is especially true for students, who might not be able to afford or create more extravagant options. Let’s focus on slideshows for a bit. *Note: I am going to use the term “slideshow”, but you can use any software you want – MS PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, Apple Keynote, or something else completely!

There are three main philosophies for how we should make/use slideshows: #1: “Death by PowerPoint” #2: Carefully-used slideshows #3: Minimalist/modern approach (This is a big deal.) *Note: “Death by PowerPoint” is a well-known concept, but the other two names are ones I made up to describe well-known concepts that don’t have names yet.

#1: “ Death by PowerPoint ”  This is a sarcastic nickname given to any slideshow that uses too much content and not enough images and/or design.  Slideshows that are too long, have too many slides, do not involve or engage the audience, or are presented in a boring way. 3 Philosophies of Slideshows

#2: Carefully -used slideshows  Slightly better than “Death by PPT”, this is a slideshow that is still fairly traditional BUT uses less text and better design/ images.  Prezi can fall into this category when used well.  This is a good starting point to break stereotypes about PowerPoint! 3 Philosophies of Slideshows

#3: Minimalist/modern approach  As many images as possible, OR as little text as possible on one screen.  The goal is that the slides SUPPORT a specific point you’re making, but do not contain all of the text FOR you. (You’re still responsible for verbally stating the message!) 3 Philosophies of Slideshows

 Don’t turn your back on your audience.  Memorize your content OR make note cards.  Practice flipping through the presentation, while standing. Using it correctly

Top 3 Things to Remember 1. Slides with memorable, appealing images 2. Simplicity and engagement are valued today 3. Use it effectively with your clicker & body What you SHOULD do Image source

Top 3 Things to Avoid 1. Too much text, including outlining/bullet points – it’s a sign that the slide is doing the work FOR you. 2. Relying on the screen (or reading directly off of it instead of speaking to the crowd) 3. Distracting, flashing, or illegible designs What you should NOT do

If the presenter is monotone, didn’t practice, does distracting fidgeting, goes too slowly, or is a weak presenter for another reason, the visual aid can’t completely save him/her. You are still responsible for pulling off a great presentation! Practice, confidence, and professionalism still matter. A final note… The visual aid is only as good as the person using it.

Quiz! 1. List as many types of visual aids as you can. 2. What factors might you consider when choosing a visual aid and/or type of slideshow? 3. What are the three main philosophies on how to make a slideshow? 4. What do modern audiences want from a slideshow? (What SHOULD you do?) 5. What are the best things to do WITH your slideshow during a presentation? Review

Follow-Up Reading 10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea, from TED’s in-house expert 10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea, from TED’s in-house expert Create + Prepare Slides Creating Effective Presentation Visuals Visual Aids and Props Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations 11 Awesome Slide Titles Top 9 Visual Slide Mistakes to Avoid 7 Tips to Beautiful PowerPoint Interested? Need Help?

BONUS ACTIVITY Let’s critique THIS slideshow. 1. Which slide was your favorite, and why? What was good about it that makes it an example for us? 2. Which slide was the most boring? Why? Was it the content, or was it something about the slide design? 3. What would you rate it (scale of 1-5) in terms of… Level of Engagement – did it keep your attention? Memorable content – did you learn something? Why/not? Speaker vs. content vs. visuals – if it wasn’t effective, why? 4. Challenge : Take ONE slide of your choosing and make it BETTER. How could improved content and/or design engage the audience better?