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Module 1 7

Title Using Visual Aids

Teaching Method Theoretic Discussion

Series 1 of 2

Exercise (s) Making an effective Powerpoint

Objective

After completing this module, you should be able to answer:

1. What are the major advantages of using visual aids in presentations?

2. What kinds of visual aids might be used in a presentation?

3. What guidelines are given in the chapter for preparing visual aids?

4. What guidelines are given in the chapter for presenting visual aids?

Introduction

Presentation Skills students often have a problemrecognizing what constitutes visual aid that

actually increases the audiences' understanding of what is being orally communicated. Too often,

students include their speeches visuals that are merely props, instead of finding visuals that support,

expand, and correspond to the speech.

The key to a strong presentation isn't the equipment that is used. A good presenter should be able to

do a presentation on a blank stage, with no props, and have it work on its own. The whole idea of

visual aids is to enhance the presentation, not to be a purpose of it. The absolutely worst presenters

are those who use the equipment as a crutch. For example, those who stand before a group and just

read slides during a presentation.

It is very important that you follow the rules of using visual aids presented in this module to have

successful presentation.

Description

Types of Visual Aids and their advantages/disadvantages Commonly Used Audio-Visual Aids. The

following audio-visual aids are all commonly used to enhance presentations:

Physical objects (usually the one you're talking about)

Models (including 3D models) Photographs

Drawings (google introduced its new browser using cartoons)

Graphs

Charts (e.g., flip-charts)

Videos

Transparencies

Multimedia Presentations

The Speaker (the most important visual aid)

Handouts

Whiteboards (with marker)

Slide-Shows (Microsoft PowerPoint, Open Office Impress etc.)

Overheard projectors

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Illustrations

Computer Graphics (flash, Dreamweaver, etc.)

Audio Tapes

Audio-visual aids have been varying degrees of complexity and more than one type can be

combined to create a sophisticated presentation. However, this may create a distance between the

presenter and audience who may be left with an overriding impression of a very fancy show butmay have missed your message.

Generally Speaking the greater the complexity of the audio visual aid the more time and effort it

will take to prepare. Therefore a variety of factors will need to be considered for example how

large is the audience, how many times will the presentation be staged, how experienced are you

preparing this form of aid and do you have acces to colleagues or external agencies helping you

the preparatory work?

Advantages of Different Visual Aids

Handouts

Advantages Simple, very easy to use, no audability/visibility problems, can depict lots of

information, lasting reference, inexpensive

Disadvantages Can be a distraction, low impact, dont enhance actual presentation.

Flipcharts & Whiteboards

Advantages Simple, easy to use, can be pre-prepared; can be annotated via discussion,

inexpensive.

Disadvantages Visibility can be a problem, low impact, takes time annotate, easily damaged.

Slide ShowsAdvantages Professional, good at getting attention, retains interest, can have high impact.

Disadvantages Requires power supply, expensive to produce, requires setup and practice,

can be noisy, requires low ambient light, prone to technical failures.

Overhead Projectors

Advantages Very common equipment, easy to use, easy to point at items, can be prepared

quickly, transparencies can be stored.

Disadvantages Requires power supply, can be noisy, can absorb the presenter, light candistract, can look low-tech.

Computer GraphicsAdvantages Potential high impact, graphics can be animated.

Disadvantages Requires specialist software and monitors, equipment expensive, can be timeconsuming.

Audio Tapes

Advantages Very effective in specialist role, inexpensive broadcast equipment.

Disadvantages May need specialist recording skills, can be time consuming, only shortduration use