Visual Aids in Presentations Using Visual Support Effectively

Why use Visual Aids? “A picture often says more than 1000 words” Using visual aids makes presentations more effective Well-designed graphics are better to understand than words alone –They can show how things look –They can show how things work –They can show how things relate to each other –They can emphasize important points Complicated statistics are easier to explain with a visual Professional visual reflect on the presenter

Media for presenting Visual Aids Chalk- and dry-erase marker boards –Effective for on-the-spot clarifications –Effective for recording and organizing audience input Flip charts –Relatively easy to use –Portable Drawbacks –Too small for large audiences –Clumsy

Media for presenting Visual Aids Transparencies –Easy to produce –You can draw on them while you speak –Easy to store Handouts –Reduce listener’s need to take notes –Give more details on presented material Drawback –Distraction

Media for presenting Visual Aids Videotape –Effective for illustrating actions Drawback –Segments are too long –Poor quality of footage

Media for presenting Visual Aids Presentation Software –Professional look –Smooth transitions and synchronized timing –Create visuals in many formats –Create charts, graphs, tables –Portability Drawbacks –Design over content –Too much distraction (Animations, excessive pictures)

Types Visual support Diagrams and models –To show the process –Effective in explaining step by step

Types Visual support Lists and Tables –Effective for highlighting key facts –Good for comparison of several facts YearUnemployment rateRankPercent ChangeDate of Information % est % %2003 est % %November 2004 est % %2005 est % %2006 est % %2007 est. Unemployment rate Thailand Source: CIA World FactbookCIA World Factbook

Types Visual support Pie Charts –Effective for illustrating percentages of a single item Student Population at MUIC

Types Visual support Bar and Column Charts Bar charts –Effective for comparing several items Simple column charts –Effective in showing changes in a single item over time Multiple column charts -Effective in showing changes for several items over time

Bar Chart Majors and student enrolment

Simple Column Chart Unemployment rate in Thailand Source: CIA World FactbookCIA World Factbook

Multiple Column Chart Sales Figures per region

Types Visual support Graphs –Effective for showing correlation between 2 quantities –Good for showing trends Unemployment rate in Thailand Source: CIA World FactbookCIA World Factbook

Guidelines for using Visual Aids Be sure to have a reason for using a visual aid Match the sophistication of your visuals to the audience Make sure the visual is large enough to see Keep the design simple Don’t use excessive text Use only horizontal text Don’t display visuals until you are ready for them Practice using your visuals