The Effective Visual Aid

The “Overhead” The ELMO Tips for Effective Use Use the fewest words possible Use no smaller than point font Position the projector in a way that facilitates mobility Never, ever read the transparency Place transparencies on opposite side to avoid repetition/ confusion Use colored transparency pens to highlight points Maintain animation of voice… lights go down and so does the audience

The Effective Visual Aid Video Clip The Four P’s of Videotape/Film in Training P repare P lay New or “gently used” tapeAdjust lighting, picture, Cued and edited volume Check equipmentMonitor trainees Consider timing Mute and narrate P rovide P resent Introduce Integrate/Debrief Instruct

The Effective Visual Aid Easel/Flip Chart Markerboard/Chalkboard Tips for Effective Use No “back”-talk or leaning. Detailed illustrations or outlines pre-written. Write for readability. Emphasize with color (red excites; green calms; blue stabilizes) Use a pointer (not your finger). Write to the level of eye contact in the back. Tell trainees if you want them to take notes. Flip chart—stand opposite of your writing hand. Posterboard—if possible, conceal until used. Be “marker-ready”!

The Effective Hand-Out 1.Decide when participants really need the handout. 2.Before—if necessary for entire training. 3.During—for smaller bits of information. 4.After—if you are providing notes.

The Effective Hand-Out Tell participants what to expect “After” strategies: Sit back and enjoy the show Make handout meaningful Set aside time at the end “Before” strategies: Competition factor Interactive Lack of flexibility “During” strategies: Assign someone else Allow for “curiosity factor”

The Effective PowerPoint Tips for Effective Use 24 point font Watch overused clip art/backgrounds No verbatim presentation Spell check!!!!!!!! Be judicious with sounds Extra disk/backup plan Consistent eye contact Animated vocals/volume Ongoing physical movement Invest in a mobile mouse or “gyro” mouse

The Effective Prop Props can be anything: hats, costumes, toys, food… Keep props hidden Keep props visible Speak to the audience, not the object—you are the focus!

The Effective Model If using a live model, ensure that the person is comfortable in front of an audience and will, indeed, show up. Should be easily transportable. Should be made to scale. Should be explained for maximum understanding.

The Effective Graph All should be easy to view. Pie graph: Shows relationships among parts. Bar graph: Compares and contrasts information. Line graph: Indicates changes according to a specific period of time. Mountain graph: Use various colored lines that will distinguish several items of change. Flow charts: Show a process, a power structure, or chain of command. Magnify pertinent parts of a map to show details. Use a circle or arrow for easy reference, or use a laser pointer.

The Effective Sketch/Photograph A photograph or sketch that is passed around the audience will create a distraction. If possible, scan photograph or sketch on a PowerPoint or show under a document camera. Explain what people are seeing. Make sure everyone can see the photograph or sketch.