Part 8: SPEAKER’S REFERENCE
SPEAKER’S REFERENCE
PRESENTATION AIDS
Use Presentation Aids to Increase Understanding and Retention
- Understanding is enhanced when information is received orally and visually.
- Aids should not merely repeat spoken points.
Use Presentation Aids to Promote Interest and Motivation
- 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.
Consider Using Props and Models
- Inanimate or live props can solidify your descriptions.
- In many areas of study, models are a central component of presentations.
Consider Illustrating Key Points with Pictures
- 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.
Use Graphs and Charts to Show Trends and Demonstrate Relationships
- 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.
Use Audio and Video to Add Interest
- 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.
Present One Major Idea Per Aid
- 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 the Same Design Decisions to Each Aid
Use Type Large Enough to Be Read Comfortably
- 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.
Use Color Wisely
- 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.
Remember That You’re Giving a Speech, Not a Slide Show
- 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.
Follow a Plan to Avoid Technical Problems
- 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.
Plan Your Presentation Aids
- 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.
Refer to Chapter Tutorial for Presentation Software Guidance
Find Media for Presentations
Avoid Copyright Infringement
- Carefully abide by copyright restrictions.
- Even if fair use applies, cite the source of material in your presentation.
KEY TERMS
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