Speech Fundamentals: Visual Aids & Team Presentation ENC 3254 Speaking & Writing for Engineers

Presentations can be viewed from three stylistic perspectives Structure and Speech Delivery Archives, Cal-Tech Visual Aids

Structure and Speech Delivery Archives, Cal-Tech Visual Aids

Why use Visual Aids? Clarity Interest & Retention Variety Delivery Skills Credibility

Audiences remember more when you use well-designed slides Recall (%) Hear and See See Hear

Types of Visual Aids YOU Objects Flipcharts Handouts Marker or chalkboards Overhead Projectors Poster-boards Videos Computer-assisted presentations

Choose a format that is easily read Arial BOOK ANTIQUA Choose legible type Choose a helpful layout words

Color can distinguish a presentation

Color affects how fast the audience can read The color combination that is read most quickly is black on yellow.

Color affects how fast the audience can read Color combinations need to have contrast— the one does not.

Color affects how fast the audience can read Combinations of red, green, and brown are difficult for many people to read.

Color affects the emotions of the audience Avoid having a hot color such as red or orange as your background color.

Headline Body Using a sentence-headline design quickly orients your audience The sentence headline succinctly states the main assertion of the slide Body supports with words Body supports with images compressor combustor turbine

Avoid complex images DEAR- ATOR HOT WELL RGF A B Avoid filler information Roentgen discovered x-rays in He found that a cathode-ray tube produced fluorescence in a distant plati- num-barium-cyanide screen. Avoid long lists Corrosion Acid rain Toxic materials Pulsed combustion Energetic materials Pyrogenic materials Smog Exclude details that the audience does not need or cannot remember

Charts and Graphs

Visual Aid Usage Guidelines Do you really need it? Check out environment and equipment. Refer to it only when showing it and show it only when you refer to it (use blank slides). Do not read from the visual & do not talk to the visual! Make sure that your visual is big enough. Point out specifics. Do not distribute handouts during speech. Prepare in advance and PRACTICE!

Planning & Preparing Visual Aids Enhance the meaning or impact of your speech. Limit the # of slides (1/minute). Start with a rough draft. Be sure your aid is simple. Limit the animation!! Do not simply have an outline of what you will say PowerPoint may supplement your demonstration, but may not BE the demonstration

4 Important Design Concepts Make it Big Keep it Simple Make it Clear Be Consistent

Structure and Speech Delivery Archives, Cal-Tech Visual Aids

Overview of Team Presentation Assignment minutes (i.e. 4-6 mins/team member) 10 minutes for Q & A (audience will roleplay committees) Intro/Background Site Plan Building Plan Environmental Plan Technology Plan Conclusion

Speaker Responsibilities Individual Speakers: Intro with preview Relate section to the audience Body with transitions between main points Conclusion Everyone must use Visual Aids Moderator: Introduction Team transitions Conclusion/Q&A

Acting like a Team Not just a series of presentations Agree on Q/A format Agree on who is responsible for what Plan out transitions Timer Slide progression Speaker should focus on the audience Team should look at the person speaking Roadmap! Rehearse together & with visuals!

Q/A Develop list of possible questions and prepare answers Ask for questions--if none, be specific Use wait time Suggest questions (One of the most frequently asked…) Restate question Be sure to thank the audience and sumup

“ The ability to communicate is everything.” --Lee Iacocca Former CEO, Chrysler Corporation