1315 - VISUAL AIDS
NOTES ON CONSTRUCTION AND USE
VISUAL AID - defined: Anything that is used to appeal to the visual sense.
Types of Visual Aids
1. The Speaker
2. Objects - Items that are large enough to be seen yet small enough to be handled with ease.
3. Models - Representations used to show construction of an object or to serve as a copy. (Working models are
good to use in a presentation.)
4. Chalkboard - To be used as a last resort. Problems associated with the use of the chalkboard include turning
your back to the audience, messy appearance, and not enough time to prepare the visual before the
presentation.
5. Pictures, drawing, sketches, and charts
- Pictures - color or black and white are OK but they must be large enough to be seen by the entire
audience.
- Drawings are good to use. Stick figures are OK. The simpler the better so as not to require extensive
viewing time.
- Charts - can include graphs (line, pie, bar), maps, flip charts, etc.
- Computer-Generated Graphics
6. Films, Slides, Projections
-Includes video, films, slides, overhead transparencies, and opaque projections.
7. Multimedia Presentations - combines charts, graphs, slides and photos, video clips, and sound in one
presentation.
8. Handouts
Selection of Visual Aids
Select the best type of visual aid for the purpose of your presentation. Remember that sometimes a list of items
can be used in place of a object or model. One point per visual please.
Rules for Construction and Use
1. Design symbolic representations with care. Beware of color differences.
Lines should be thick and bold. Model parts should be large enough to be seen.
2. Keep charts and other graphic aids clear and simple.
Avoid crowding your visuals with too much information. Having too much information or too many lines
can be distracting. Focus only on the part you want to stress with your visual aid.
3. Make lettering large enough to be read and select fonts that are easy to read.
-Titles - 3" letters for posters or 36 point for transparencies
-Subtitles - 2" letters for posters or 24 point for transparencies
-Text - 1 1/2" letters for posters or 18 point for transparencies
Avoid using all caps - they are difficult to read. Save caps for titles or for emphasis.
Use a limited number of fonts. Usually no more than two different fonts on a visual.
4. If showing processes, decide whether to use objects or models.
5. Be prepared to orally compensate for any distractions created by the Visual aids (for example, handouts,
passed objects, etc.)
6. If using films, slides, or projections, maintain a relationship between the visual and the verbal message.
Screens for projections should be large enough for the size of the room and projectors should have focal
lengths great enough to fill the screen. Video monitors should be mounted high enough for the back row to
see or there should be enough monitors for everyone to view the visual.
7. Provide handouts of information you desire the audience to remember.
Materials for Visual Aids
Heavy poster board or art board is best. Avoid light-weight poster board at all costs. It is not sturdy enough to
stay on the VA stand without clips, etc.
If using spiral sketch pads/flip charts, leave blank pages between sketches for cover pages or to add more visuals
later.
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Lettering should be done with a stencil or press-on letters. Avoid free hand lettering. Letters should also be
solid, not hollow. Letters should be equally spaced, not crowded.
Size of Visual Aids
The visuals should be large enough to be seen by the entire audience yet small enough for the speaker to handle
them with ease. Full-size sheets of poster board are the norm.
Rules for Handling Visual Aids
1. Set the visual aids up properly. It helps to have them in order and facing the right direction before you enter
the room. Check all of the visuals before starting.
2. Show the visual aids only when you are talking about them. Keep them covered until you need them and
cover them back up before going on to the next point.
3. Talk about the visual aid while you are showing it. Refer to the material on display. Keep the audiences
focused on what you want them to see, don't give them time to get ahead of you.
4. Make sure that everyone in the audience can see the visuals.
5. Talk to your audience, not to your visual aid.
6. Don't overdo the use of visual aids. Use the visual to help make a point, not to replace your verbal message.
7. Pass objects around at your own risk.
Introducing Your Visual Aids So That They Blend
Smoothly into the Speech
(from The Speaker's Handbook )
1. Practice with your Visual Aids. Become accustomed to the movements associated with using and changing
the visuals.
2. Maintain Eye Contact - never turn your back on the audience while discussing the visual.
3. Keep Talking while working with the visual. Avoid long pauses. However, pause while changing from one
visual to the other so that your words are not lost in the movement.
4. Do not let your visuals become a distraction. This refers to the covering and removing of the visual when not
referring to it.