Visual aids are powerful tools for speakers. These aids can reinforce important points, enhance understanding of complex material and give the speaker more time to interact with the audience. Speakers can also use visuals aids as prompts and eliminate the need for notes. Carefully integrating visual aids into speeches can serve as a complement to what you're saying.
Instructions
1. Use presentation software for business and educational audiences. You can produce and display a series of slides that include animation and simulations. Give yourself enough lead time to plan and organize the slide show. Practice the presentation and double check all equipment beforehand. Have a backup plan in case technical problems occur during the presentation.
2. Use a flip chart for small-group training or brainstorming sessions. The flip chart consists of a pad of paper sheets supported on a tripod or easel. Position the flip chart at the front of the room and ensure that participants can see it from every angle. During your presentation, interact with the participants and record their feedback on the flip chart. For example, for the launch of a new product or service, changes in the hiring process or new curriculum can be written on the flip chart. You can prepare a few pages in advance, but allow space for additional input from the participants. Write in bold letters using a black marker for the materials you present and colorful markers for recording audience comments.
3. Check the meeting room before the presentation. You might find a whiteboard mounted on the wall. A whiteboard consists of a dry erase board that is used with an erasable marker. This visual aid is very effective with small groups in boardrooms, classrooms and other work environments. Use a whiteboard to have a group brainstorm ideas and suggestions about new products or services. The benefit of using one is that you can record many different opinions as people speak and erase or reorganize them as the discussion progresses.
4. Use books, balls, tools, models and other items to help audience members better understand and remember your message. These props can also be used as icebreakers. For example, if you are trying to improve employee motivation, entitle your speech "Get the Ball Rolling" and roll the ball to a few of the participants in the front row. These visual aids work well with younger audiences. If you need a small table for props, make arrangements a day or two before the presentation. Bring a cloth to cover the props from the audience's view.
5. Distribute handouts, such as agendas, reports, quizzes, invitations or schedules before or after the presentation. Participants like to receive take-home packages for future reference. If you plan to guide the audience through the content, distribute the handouts beforehand. For example, provide handouts for the presentation software so participants can follow and make notes. Summaries, invitations and handouts that require future action can be distributed afterward.
Tags: flip chart, before presentation, interact with, presentation software
