Using Presentation Aids Chapter 14 Using Presentation Aids

Using Presentation Aids: Introduction Presentation aids, or anything seen or heard in addition to your spoken words, can: Effectively support your points and produce a more memorable and professional presentation Bring life to your speech

Using Presentation Aids: An Overview This chapter will discuss: Why use presentation aids? Types of presentation aids Audience analysis and presentation aids Guidelines for preparing presentation aids Using presentation aids during your speech

Why Use Presentation Aids? Add interest and impact Simplify technical or complicated messages Help audiences remember speeches Enhance credibility

Why Use Presentation Aids?

Types of Presentation Aids: The Speaker You can wear the clothing or use the equipment associated with your topic. You can demonstrate or act out an aspect of your topic.

Types of Presentation Aids: Assistants Other people reinforce points from your speech. People can also help you demonstrate something.

Types of Presentation Aids: Objects Show objects or models to listeners, or demonstrate with them. If objects and your audience are small, pass objects around.

Types of Presentation Aids: Visual Images Maps Photographs and drawings Diagrams Graphs

Visual Images: Maps A map is a visual representation of geography to which you can add labels.

Visual Images: Photographs, Drawings, and Diagrams Photographs provide an exact depiction. Drawings help emphasize and deemphasize certain details. A diagram is a drawing that details an object or action and the relations among its parts (usually includes labels).

Visual Images: Graphs Graph: any graphic representation that summarizes data or information Line graph: Uses lines plotted on a pair of axes to show relationships between two elements Bar graph: Uses parallel bars of varying height or length to compare several pieces of information Pie chart (circle graph): Shows how percentages and proportions relate to one another

Visual Images: Graphs

Types of Presentation Aids: Lists, Tables, and Other Text-Based Visuals Verbal chart: Used to list or compare the pros and cons of an issue Flowchart: Demonstrates the steps in a process

Types of Presentation Aids: Lists, Tables, and Other Text-Based Visuals

Types of Presentation Aids: Audio and Video Audio: Enhances a presentation if used well Video: Helps demonstrate actions that cannot be described with words or pictures Must be clear and compelling

Using Technology Wisely: Presentation Software Presentation software: Allows users to create, edit, and present information, usually in a slide-show format Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Flash, Impress OpenOffice.org, Apple Keynote Uses include: Creating tables, chart, graphs Uploading photos, videos, audio clips Unifying a mixed-media presentation

Tips on Using Presentation Software Tip: Content is king. Do not allow your speech to be eclipsed by technological bells and whistles. Tip: Don’t let the software steal the show. It is meant to assist your speech, not deliver your speech for you.

Using Technology Wisely: Using Other Technology Not every forum is equipped for digital presentations. Traditional presentation aids may be more appropriate. Consider a mixed approach.

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider the Forum Visit the forum to determine technological capabilities and limitations. Check availability of DVD players, VCRs, outlets, projectors, a screen or blank wall, Internet access, etc. Consider acoustics and lighting.

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider the Forum For visual aids with verbal elements, check to see if you have access to: Flip charts Marker boards Chalkboards

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider the Forum

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider Your Audience Demographics means considering audience members’: Age Gender Sexual orientation Religion Educational background Ethnicity Cultural background

Consider Your Audience: Demographics

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider Your Audience Prior exposure may negatively influence the audience. Has your audience ever seen or heard this presentation aid before? What was the result of this prior exposure? If the prior exposure was unsatisfactory, what could have been the reason?

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Make Sure Your Aids Support Your Points Example: For a speech on a city’s architecture, a map of the city would be good. A song about the city’s bars would not be relevant.

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Keep Your Aids Simple and Clear Test visibility and legibility. Test volume and clarity. Create contrast.

Keep Your Aids Simple and Clear: Test the Size of Visual Aids

Keep Your Aids Simple and Clear

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Rehearsing with Your Presentation Aids Practice using your aids as you deliver your speech. Make sure they all work. Be prepared to speak without your presentation aids—technology can fail.

Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids

Tips for Using Presentation Aids Tip: DVDs are a great invention but can take time to cue up during a speech. VCRs allow you to be cued up right where you want to be. You might also try finding the clip you want on YouTube. Tip: Follow Murphy’s law—anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Always have a back-up plan in case technology fails.

Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Visibility Make sure everyone can see and hear your aids.

Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Control Audience Interaction Show or play the aid when necessary, then take it away. Cue up recordings ahead of time. Block or conceal until you need it. Remove visual aids after discussing them. Ensure that handouts are informative and not distracting. Give your audience clear instructions Stay close to your listeners to monitor handout use

Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Maintain Eye Contact Only “glance” at your aids as you speak. Stay focused on listeners.

Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Remember the Purpose of Your Presentation Aids Presentation aids should only supplement your speech, not dominate it. Your audience expects, needs, and wants you! D.