Decide How to Present the Aid
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Many presenters create computer-generated aids shown with digital projectors or LCD displays. On the more traditional side, options for presenting the aids to the audience include overhead transparencies, flip charts, chalkboards, posters, and handouts.
Computer-Generated Aids and Displays
With software programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote, speakers can create computer-generated slides, which they project using LCD (liquid crystal display) panels and projectors or the newer DLP (digital light processing) projectors. See Chapter 22 for guidelines on using presentation software.
Overhead Transparencies
An overhead transparency is an image printed on clear acetate that can be viewed by projection. You can create transparencies in advance using PowerPoint, or write on the transparency during the presentation, much like a chalkboard. When using overhead transparencies:
- Check that the projector is in good order before the speech.
- Stand to the side of the projector and face the audience, not the projected image.
- Use a pointer to indicate specific sections of a transparency—point to the transparency, not to the screen.
- If writing on the transparency, use a water-soluble transparency pen and write clearly.
- Cover the transparencies when finished using them.
Flip Charts
A flip chart is simply a large (27–34 inch) pad of paper on which a speaker can write or draw. They are often prepared in advance; then, as you progress through the speech, you simply flip through the pad to the next exhibit. You can also write and draw on the pad as you speak.
Hold the Handouts
A handout conveys information that either is impractical to give to the audience in another manner or is intended to be kept by audience members after the presentation. To avoid distracting listeners, unless you specifically want them to read the information as you speak, wait until you are finished before you distribute the handout. If you do want the audience to view a handout during the speech, pass it out only when you are ready to talk about it.
Posters
Speakers use posters—large paperboards incorporating text, figures, and images, alone or in combination—to illustrate some aspect of their topic; often the poster rests on an easel. See Chapter 30 for guidelines on using posters in presentations called poster sessions.
Checklist: Incorporating Presentation Aids into Your Speech
Practice with the aids until you are confident that you can handle them without causing undue distractions.
Talk to your audience rather than to the screen or object—avoid turning your back to the audience.
Maintain eye contact with the audience.
Place the aid to one side rather than behind you, so that the entire audience can see it.
Display the aid only when you are ready to discuss it.
If you decide to use a pointer, once you’ve indicated your point, put it down.
In case problems arise, be prepared to give your presentation without the aids.