Chapter 13 Using Visual Aids

To Do List: Discuss Details of Informative Speech Review Schedule 13/14 Today, Wednesday Workshop, Friday Speeches Start When will we get the exam grades back?

3 Advantages of Visual Aids Clarity – clarify discussion of an idea by showing a picture or representation of it Again, Perot charts Interest – visual aids effectively generate interest Picture books, text books? Retention – visual images often are remembered longer than verbal ones Examples? Total bowls… others?

Different Kinds of Visual Aids Ultimate visual aid would be the object of the speech itself UConn Fine Arts Building proposals? Or you can use: Models – built to scale (smaller/larger) Photographs – only used enlarged Drawings – diagrams, sketches, or maps Graphs – for statistical trends (bar, line, pie) Slides and Videotapes – vivid presentation Computer-Generated Graphics Transparencies Multimedia Presentations – Powerpoint

6 Guidelines for preparing visual aids Prepare visual aids in advance Time for creativity Can then be used during practice Keep visual aids simple Ultimate goal is communication not art Limit to manageable amount of information Make sure visual aids are large enough Useless if they can’t be seen “I know some of you can’t see this, but…”

Guidelines for preparing visual aids Use fonts that are easy to read Font – a complete set of type of the same design Avoid decorative fonts Use Arial, Times New Roman or Courier New Use a limited number of fonts Book says no more than two per slide Styles (bold, italic, underlined) can be used, but it is preferred not to use more than two font faces

Guidelines for preparing visual aids Use color effectively “When used effectively, it increases recognition by 78% and comprehension by 73%” (p. 329) Color should only be varied for functional purposes Highlighting Distinguishing Etc.

Tips for Presenting Visual Aids Avoid using the chalkboard Takes time Does not look as neat and professional Display visual aids where listeners can see them Examine classroom prior to speech to determine best location Don’t stand in front of them

Tips for Presenting Visual Aids Avoid passing visual aids among the audience The IS distracting Handouts generally compete with the speech for audience attention Display visual aids only while discussing them Stats: Multiple Regression; Orwell

Tips for Presenting Visual Aids Talk to your audience, not to your visual aid Feedback Always face your audience when talking Explain visual aids clearly and concisely Most aids should be translated for the audience Describe the aid to the audience, not just “as you can see” Practice with your visual aids example

Chapter 14 Speaking to Inform

The Informative Speech A speech designed to convey knowledge and understanding Judgment by peers will result from three general criteria: Is the information communicated accurately? Is the information communicated clearly? Is the information made meaningful and interesting to the audience?

4 Types of Informative Speeches Speeches about Objects Anything that is visible, tangible and stable in form Specific Purpose example: To inform my audience about the social functions of comic strips Speeches about Processes A systematic series of actions that leads to a specific result or product Specific Purpose example: To inform my audience how to create their own Web pages

4 Types of Informative Speeches Speeches about Events Anything that happens or is regarded as happening Specific Purpose example: To inform my audience about what happened at the Battle of Little Big Horn Speeches about Concepts A belief, theory, idea, notion, principle, or the like Specific Purpose example: To inform my audience about the doctrine of original intent in constitutional interpretation

Guidelines for Informative Speaking Don’t overestimate what the audience knows How to make a PB & J sandwich Relate the subject directly to the audience A speech is measured by its impact on a particular audience Bush’s UN speech: Is the UN useful?

Guidelines for Informative Speaking Don’t be too technical Avoid Jargon The specialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group Avoid Abstractions Three options: Description Comparison Contrast Personalize your ideas To present one’s ideas in human terms that relate in some fashion to the experience of the audience

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