Performing Presentation Visual Aids & Body Language

When using visual aids: Request equipment in advance Arrive early to set up room Ensure equipment is working Return borrowed equipment promptly Be creative Use local materials Develop your own tools & resources to use!

Different visual aids:

PPTs Things to remember : Does the slide add to your talk? Keep info clear and brief Consider font size Choose colours carefully – do they project well? Use a pen or pointer on OHP Face the audience Consider the room lighting

What is the most powerful visual aid of all? Question: What is the most powerful visual aid of all?

Answer: YOU!

Task: Match the body language to these categories Aggressive Open & friendly Bored Thoughtful Annoyed Aggressive: Leaning forward, pointed finger – aggressive hand gesture, head down, firm stance Open and friendly: Open hands, relaxed face, straight stance Bored: Head resting on hand, gaze distant Thoughtful: Relaxed face, comfortable look Annoyed: tight lips, furrowed brows, staring eyes

Facial expressions Smile Look at your audience Show confidence with eye contact Pan the audience Maintain eye contact with your audience. it allows you to observe nonverbal messages such as confused or questioning looks. Being able to pick up on nonverbal cues will allow you to adjust your presentation Look at the audience, not over them. Avoid looking above or between individuals. Maintaining eye contact creates a level of confidence from the presenter and puts you in control. Let your audience know that you are talking to them, not at them. Pan the audience. Avoid favouring one side of the room or one individual. Look across the room making contact with everyone in the class.

Some body language from the audience to watch out for: Mouth: if the audience start covering their mouths with their hands or fingers, it means… Arms and Legs: folded arm gestures and crossed legs can show… Head: tilting head + leaning forward + hand moving to chin probably means…

Points to remember Become aware of your body language Use open movements Use gestures appropriately Use a lectern appropriately Gently hold the lectern if nervous (don’t grip!) Do not hide behind a computer monitor. Speak directly to your audience These are the notes for this slide: (Ss should be being taught not to read off the slides and so we should be practicing what we preach!) Be aware of your body language. Avoid crossing your arms or pacing. Use open movements, they make you relax. Use gestures to get your point across in a more clear manner. Move around the room. This provides variety for the audience, but don’t pace – this is distracting If you use a lectern, move away from it at times. The presentation will not be engaging if you are constantly behind a lectern. Gripping the podium will not save you from your presentation; it will make you more tense. Place your hands gently on the sides. If you are using a computer monitor on a podium, avoid being hidden by the monitor. Adjust the height or make sure you move from behind so the audience can see you.

Do’s: Don’ts Body Language Smile Stand up straight Use appropriate hand gestures Have eye contact with audience Hold neat note cards Don’ts Point at anyone Rock backwards & forwards Pace across front of room Read off the slides Read off notes