2.  Philosophy of Using Visual Aids:  Visual aids need to emphasize the important points  Your message must be the focus, not the visual aids  Visual aids are to emphasize and make your major points memorable

3.  Specific Uses of Visual Aids:  Clarify a point  Emphasize a thought  Add interest  Summarize large amounts of data  Organize complex information  Wrap up a section  Introduce a new idea

4.  Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Visual Aids:  Distracts from the emphasis  Takes too much time  Poor quality  Low interest  Does not suit the audience

5.  Some Common Visual Aids:  Handmade  Flowcharts  Flipcharts  Handmade or printed  Graphs  Posters  Electronics  Overhead projector  Slide projector  Computer  PowerPoint, etc.  Videos  Podcasts

6.  Some Common Visual Aids:  Handmade  Flowcharts  Can be made quickly  Can be individualized to the group needs  Difficult to make look professional  Can summarize information over time very efficiently  Flipcharts  Can be created as the audience talks  Cheap and easy to buy supplies  Very effective in recording brainstorming sessions

7.  Some Common Visual Aids:  Handmade or printed  Graphs  Computerized versions by many types of software  Handmade can be created on many types of paper  Can summarize a lot of information quickly  Posters  Emphasize one point very well  Other volunteers can create them  Computerized versions are available and cheap  Purchased versions can be visually compelling

8.  Some Common Visual Aids:  Electronics  Overhead projector  Transparencies can be handmade or purchased  Bright  Most places have one  Dense drawings and pictures may be unclear  Slide projector  Clear quality  May not be available  Requires slides already developed  Requires darkness

9.  Some Common Visual Aids:  Computer  PowerPoint, etc.  Many people know how to use these programs  Easily organizes written, pictoral, and video components  Requires computer projector for larger audiences  Videos  Easy to obtain  May make the point memorably  YouTube requires internet access  May not be exactly on point  Podcasts  May say it very well

10.  Common Design Principles:  Use only a few colours  Use the right colours to emphasize your message  Draw the eyes to the main point(s)  Leave blank spaces  Make only one main point on each sheet  Have a clear, short title  Have pictures draw the eye to the middle of the poster  Be sure the print is large enough to see from the back of the room

11.  Final Suggestions:  Do not worry if visuals are not perfect  Maintain eye contact while using visuals  Be prepared to continue if some of the visuals do not work

12.  Special Thanks  http://gcyouthministries.org/Portals/0/Docu ment_Downloads/Master_Guide/Advanced% 20Pathfinder%20Leadership%20Award.pdf