1. Using & Designing Presentation Aids
CAS 100
Furness

2. Presentation Aids Benefits
Help listeners process and retain information
Convey information in a time-saving fashion
Enhance an image of professionalism
Can spark interest
Can make a speech memorable

3. Select an Appropriate Aid
Types of presentation aids:
Objects and models
Pictures, graphs, and charts
Audio, video, and multimedia
Should help listeners grasp information effectively

4. Props and Models Prop Model When using a prop or model
Can be inanimate or live object
Captures audience’s attention
Illustrates or emphasizes key points
Model
Three-dimensional, scale-sized representation of an object
When using a prop or model
Keep it hidden until time for use;
Make sure it is large enough;
Practice your speech using it.

5. Pictures Examples: Photographs and posters Line drawings
Diagrams (schematic drawings)
Maps

6. Graphs Line Graphs Points connected by lines
Demonstrates how something changes

7. Graphs (cont.) Bar graph
Uses vertical or horizontal bars of varying lengths
Compares quantities or magnitudes
May be arranged vertically or horizontally

8. Guidelines for Graphs When creating line and bar graphs
Label both axes;
Start the numerical axis at zero;
Compare only like variables;
Include no more than two lines of data per line graph
Cite your source data

9. Graphs and Charts (cont.)
Pie charts
Depicts division of whole into slices
Each slice represents a percentage
When creating pie graphs: 1) Use no more than seven slices; 2) Represent and identify values accurately; 3) Cite your source data.

10. Graphs and Charts (cont.)
Pictogram
Picture symbols illustrating relationships and trends.
When creating pictograms: 1) Clearly indicate what it symbolizes; 2) Make all pictograms the same size; 3) Label/cite info.

12. Graphs and Charts (cont.)
Flowchart
Diagrams progression of a process

13. Graphs and Charts (cont.)
Table (tabular chart)
Systematically groups data in column form

14. Audio, Video, and Multimedia
Short recording of sounds/music/speech
Can enliven certain presentations
Video
Movie, television, and other recording instruments
Introduce, transition into, and clarify points
Multimedia
Combines still, sound, video, text, data
Requires much more planning
Requires familiarity with presentation software programs

15. MOST IMPORTANT!
The most important things to consider when utilizing visual aids in a speech are these:
Don’t allow them to dominate your speech
Keep the focus on your words & ideas
Use sparingly
Have everything ready to go on a flash drive. There is no time for accessing materials via or the internet.

16. Keep the Design Simple Follow the six-by-six rule: When using text
Limit to six words per line
Limit to six lines per slide
When using text
Use active verb form;
Use parallel grammatical structure.
Create concise titles that
Tell viewers what to look for;
Reinforce your message.
Allow plenty of white space.
Provides “visual breathing room”

17. Use Design Elements Consistently
Follow consistent design decisions for presentation aids.
Consistency helps prevent distraction.
Use consistent design elements in each aid.
All bullets edited to be complete sentences.

18. Select Appropriate Typeface Styles and Fonts
Specific style of lettering
Two major categories
Serif (include small flourishes)
Sans serif (more blocklike/linear)
Check lettering for legibility.
Take audience’s distance into consideration.
Lettering should stand out from background.
Use a familiar typeface.
Should be easy to read
Should not be distracting

19. Select Appropriate Typeface Styles and Fonts (cont.)
Use standard upper- and lowercase types.
Easier to read than all capitals
No more than two complementary typefaces
Or use one typeface throughout
Use boldface, underlining, and italics sparingly.

20. Use Color Carefully Used effectively, color can Poor color choices can
Set the mood of a presentation;
Make things easier to see.
Poor color choices can
Set the wrong mood;
Render images unattractive or unreadable.
Keep background color constant on slides.
Limit use to two or three colors.
Use contrasting colors for type and graphics.
Stay within the same family of hues.