Part 8: SPEAKER’S REFERENCE

• Understanding is enhanced when information is received orally and visually.
• Aids should not merely repeat spoken points.

• Aids can stimulate interest.
• Aids can increase the persuasiveness of a message.
• Use aids to concisely express complex ideas.
• Statistical relationships can be made clear through graphs and charts.
• Well-prepared presentation aids can boost your credibility.

• Inanimate or live props can solidify your descriptions.
• In many areas of study, models are a central component of presentations.

• Look for visually arresting photographs.
• Create a diagram to demonstrate how something is constructed or used.
• Use a map to pinpoint an area or illustrate proportions.
• Use a poster if giving the same presentation many times.

• Select a line graph to represent trends and other information that changes over time.
• Choose a bar graph to compare quantities or magnitudes.
• Use a pie graph to show proportions.
• Use a pictogram to characterize comparisons in picture form.
• Use a flowchart to diagram a procedure or process.
• Use an organizational chart to illustrate hierarchical relationships.
• Use a table to allow viewers to make comparisons about information quickly.

• Choose clips that illustrate ideas or bring humor to the mix.
• Consider incorporating clips into PowerPoint presentations.
• Be familiar with software programs that produce multimedia.

• Limit the amount of information in any single visual.
• Use no more than six words in a line and six lines on one slide.
• Word text in active verb form and use parallel sentence structure.

• Apply consistent colors, fonts, capitalization, and styling.

• Experiment with 36-point type for major headings, 24-point type for subheadings, and 18-point type for the body of the text.
• For slides, use a sans serif typeface for titles and major headings.
• Experiment with a serif typeface for the body of the text.

• Be aware of the effect of color combinations on readability.
• Understand that colors can evoke distinct associations in people and summon various moods.
• For typeface and graphics, use colors that contrast with the background color.
• Restrict the number of colors to three or four.

• Focus on your message and audience rather than the pizzazz of a slide show.
• Help your audience by using presentation aids to help them process information.

• Check compatibility for operating systems, versions of presentation programs, and other software in advance of your speech.
• Ensure compatibility for input and output devices such as flash drives, projectors, and speakers.
• Save your files to a source recognized by the presentation computer, and make a backup of your presentation.

• Use your speaking outline to plan the content, number, and arrangement of aids.
• Carefully consider which points are more suited for visual display than others.

• See tips on using Microsoft PowerPoint
• See tips on using Apple Keynote
• See tips on using Prezi

• Locate downloadable files for digital images, clip art, video, and sound files.

• Carefully abide by copyright restrictions.
• Even if fair use applies, cite the source of material in your presentation.