Visual Aids

General Advice Keep the visual aid out of sight until you refer to it. Remove the aid from view when done with the explanation. Continue to face the audience when using a visual aid.

Be sure the aid is large enough to be seen or loud enough to be heard. Don’t stand in front of the aid. Don’t overdo a good thing. A long succession of slides or charts can become boring.

Do not have audience pass items around. Check technology beforehand to ensure it works. Save handouts for after the speech. Distribution distracts the audience.

Remember Murphy’s law: if something can go wrong, it will Remember Murphy’s law: if something can go wrong, it will. Have a backup plan in case your equipment fails. If the aid overwhelms the speech or draws undue attention from the speaker, you would be wise not to use it. Don’t forget: You are a visual aid. Dress appropriately.

Posters Use heavyweight poster board in a light color. Use dark colors for drawings and lettering. Make all letters at least 2” high and use a thick marker. Only label major parts.

Size color simplicity

Practice! Practice! Practice!

Life After Death by PowerPoint 2012 by Don McMillan