1. And DON’TS OF VISUAL AIDS
The Do’s
And DON’TS
OF VISUAL AIDS

2. Two Main Purposes of Visual Aids
To enhance presentation
See #1

3. PowerPoints are Overdone
Follow these tips if you’re going to do them

4. Type Readable and consistent Notice how distracting this font can be
Or this
Use a heading on each slide – Main Points (see above)
Write phrases – not complete sentences
AVOID speling, gramaticle mistaks

5. Background
Keep it consistent on all slides

6. Like This
Clean and simple is good

7. Avoid distracting backgrounds
Notice where your eye first goes on this slide

8. Use white space around items
Keep it on the outside
Add some color to slides – but be careful
Avoid annoying effects – USE SPARINGLY

9. Use Visuals to Enhance and Explain
What the heck is that? You’re thinking
Let me explain

10. Charts, Graphs & Pictures
Can be very helpful to show figures etc.
Pictures are also very good to illustrate a concept

11. Last but not Least - PRACTICE
Prepare your visual aid(s) in advance
Practice using them in speech

12. Oral Citations Should include basic MLA information:
Author (if possible) or Title
Type of source: URL if website
Date of publication or access
For example: “According to which I accessed on May 7,
Or: “In a personal interview with Keith Vencel on May 7, 2008, he stated . . .

13. Pre-Speech Tricks Visualize EVERYTHING you will do.
Concentrate on tense part – tense even more – then relax
Make funny faces (not in public)
Focus on pleasant memories: beach, girlfriend/boyfriend etc.
Rational approach: think of something really frightening, compare. Think of all your practice.

14. During Speech Keep handkerchief for sweat (no tissues!)
Quavering voice: lower pitch, breathe deeply speak distinctly and slowly
Trembling hands: use body movement to dissipate energy. Move hands for emphasis.
Pounding heart: No one knows
Fumbled words: Expect them. Minor, keep going – major, fix it and acknowledge it with smile.
Forgetfulness: GOOD NOTECARDS

15. Good Note cards
Contain signposts – reminders of main points (transfer from outline)
Large text - numbered
Opening, oral citations and closing can be written out – but DON’T READ
Put heading on back