1. Using Presentation Aids
Chapter 14
Using Presentation Aids

2. Using Presentation Aids: Introduction
Presentation aids, or anything seen or heard in addition to your spoken words, can:
Effectively support your points and produce a more memorable and professional presentation
Bring life to your speech

3. Using Presentation Aids: An Overview
This chapter will discuss:
Why use presentation aids?
Types of presentation aids
Audience analysis and presentation aids
Guidelines for preparing presentation aids
Using presentation aids during your speech

4. Why Use Presentation Aids?
Add interest and impact
Simplify technical or complicated messages
Help audiences remember speeches
Enhance credibility

5. Why Use Presentation Aids?

6. Types of Presentation Aids: The Speaker
You can wear the clothing or use the equipment associated with your topic.
You can demonstrate or act out an aspect of your topic.

7. Types of Presentation Aids: Assistants
Other people reinforce points from your speech.
People can also help you demonstrate something.

8. Types of Presentation Aids: Objects
Show objects or models to listeners, or demonstrate with them.
If objects and your audience are small, pass objects around.

9. Types of Presentation Aids: Visual Images
Maps
Photographs and drawings
Diagrams
Graphs

10. Visual Images: Maps
A map is a visual representation of geography to which you can add labels.

11. Visual Images: Photographs, Drawings, and Diagrams
Photographs provide an exact depiction.
Drawings help emphasize and deemphasize certain details.
A diagram is a drawing that details an object or action and the relations among its parts (usually includes labels).

12. Visual Images: Graphs
Graph: any graphic representation that summarizes data or information
Line graph: Uses lines plotted on a pair of axes to show relationships between two elements
Bar graph: Uses parallel bars of varying height or length to compare several pieces of information
Pie chart (circle graph): Shows how percentages and proportions relate to one another

13. Visual Images: Graphs

14. Types of Presentation Aids: Lists, Tables, and Other Text-Based Visuals
Verbal chart: Used to list or compare the pros and cons of an issue
Flowchart: Demonstrates the steps in a process

15. Types of Presentation Aids: Lists, Tables,
and Other Text-Based Visuals

16. Types of Presentation Aids: Audio and Video
Audio: Enhances a presentation if used well
Video: Helps demonstrate actions that cannot be described with words or pictures
Must be clear and compelling

17. Using Technology Wisely: Presentation Software
Presentation software: Allows users to create, edit, and present information, usually in a slide-show format
Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Flash, Impress OpenOffice.org, Apple Keynote
Uses include:
Creating tables, chart, graphs
Uploading photos, videos, audio clips
Unifying a mixed-media presentation

18. Tips on Using Presentation Software
Tip: Content is king. Do not allow your speech to be eclipsed by technological bells and whistles.
Tip: Don’t let the software steal the show. It is meant to assist your speech, not deliver your speech for you.

19. Using Technology Wisely: Using Other Technology
Not every forum is equipped for digital presentations.
Traditional presentation aids may be more appropriate.
Consider a mixed approach.

20. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider the Forum
Visit the forum to determine technological capabilities and limitations.
Check availability of DVD players, VCRs, outlets, projectors, a screen or blank wall, Internet access, etc.
Consider acoustics and lighting.

21. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider the Forum
For visual aids with verbal elements, check to see if you have access to:
Flip charts
Marker boards
Chalkboards

22. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids:
Consider the Forum

23. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider Your Audience
Demographics means considering audience members’:
Age
Gender
Sexual orientation
Religion
Educational background
Ethnicity
Cultural background

24. Consider Your Audience: Demographics

25. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Consider Your Audience
Prior exposure may negatively influence the audience.
Has your audience ever seen or heard this presentation aid before?
What was the result of this prior exposure?
If the prior exposure was unsatisfactory, what could have been the reason?

26. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Make Sure Your Aids Support Your Points
Example: For a speech on a city’s architecture, a map of the city would be good. A song about the city’s bars would not be relevant.

27. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Keep Your Aids Simple and Clear
Test visibility and legibility.
Test volume and clarity.
Create contrast.

28. Keep Your Aids Simple and Clear: Test the Size of Visual Aids

29. Keep Your Aids Simple and Clear

30. Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids: Rehearsing with Your Presentation Aids
Practice using your aids as you deliver your speech.
Make sure they all work.
Be prepared to speak without your presentation aids—technology can fail.

31. Guidelines for Developing
Presentation Aids

32. Tips for Using Presentation Aids
Tip: DVDs are a great invention but can take time to cue up during a speech. VCRs allow you to be cued up right where you want to be. You might also try finding the clip you want on YouTube.
Tip: Follow Murphy’s law—anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Always have a back-up plan in case technology fails.

33. Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Visibility
Make sure everyone can see and hear your aids.

34. Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Control Audience Interaction
Show or play the aid when necessary, then take it away.
Cue up recordings ahead of time.
Block or conceal until you need it.
Remove visual aids after discussing them.
Ensure that handouts are informative and not distracting.
Give your audience clear instructions
Stay close to your listeners to monitor handout use

35. Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Maintain Eye Contact
Only “glance” at your aids as you speak.
Stay focused on listeners.

36. Using Presentation Aids During Your Speech: Remember the Purpose of Your Presentation Aids
Presentation aids should only supplement your speech, not dominate it.
Your audience expects, needs, and wants you! D.