Chapter 20: Selecting Presentation Aids Public Speaking

The Value of Presentation Aids Presentation aids help your audience understand and remember your message. Presentation Aids Enhance Understanding – Because your audience is accustomed to visual reinforcement, it is wise to consider how you can increase their understanding of your speech by using presentation aids. Presentation Aids Enhance Memory – It is well known that you remember most what you understand best. Presentation Aids Help Listeners Organize Ideas – Listing major ideas on a chart, a poster, or an overhead transparency can add clarity to your speech and help your audience grasp your main ideas.

The Value of Presentation Aids (continued) Presentation Aids Help Gain and Maintain Attention – Presentation aids not only grab the attention of your listeners but also keep their interest when words alone might not. Presentation Aids Help Illustrate a Sequence of Events or Procedures – Demonstrating step-by-step procedures helps your audience understand them.

Types of Presentation Aids Objects – Objects add interest because they are tangible. If you use an object to illustrate an idea, make sure that you can handle the object with ease. Models – If it is not possible to bring the object you would like to show your audience, consider showing them a model. People – Using people to illustrate your message can be tricky. Before the presentation, choose someone you trust so that you can fully inform him or her about what needs to be done. Drawings – As a rule, large and simple line drawings are more effective for stage presentations than are detailed images.

Types of Presentation Aids Photographs – To be sure that a printed photograph will be effective as a presentation aid for a large audience, enlarge it or project it. Graphs – A graph is a pictorial representation of statistical data in an easy-to-understand format. A bar graph consists of flat areas – bars – whose various lengths represent information A pie graph shows the general distribution of data. Line graphs show relationships between two or more variables. Picture graphs look somewhat less formal and less intimidating than other kinds of graphs. Charts – Charts summarize and present a great deal of information in a small amount of space. Charts must be simple. Do not try to put too much information on one chart.

Selecting the Right Presentation Aids Consider your audience – The age, interests, and attitudes of your audience should also affect your selection of audiovisual support. Think of your speech objective – Don’t select a presentation aid until you have decided on the purpose of your speech. Take into account your own skill and experience – Use only equipment with which you are comfortable or have had practical experience. Know the room in which you will speak – If the room has large windows with no shades and no other way to dim the light, do not consider using visuals that require a darkened room.

POP QUIZ Objects add interest because they are ________. 2. If it is not possible to bring in the object you would like to show your audience, you should consider bringing in a __________. 3. What kind of drawings are most effective? A pie graph shows ________________________. 5. Charts must be ___________.