If the visual aid utilizes lists to communicate the central ideas of the speech, do not overwhelm the audience with endless lists on one slide or page. Failing to do so will delay the speech, lead to much unnecessary rustling of paper, and is an unnecessary distraction. If there are supporting materials to assist the audience, they should be passed out either before or after the speech. Pictures, charts, graphs, and some objects, are often so complex, with so much "going on," that the audience might need to be directed to the area of the visual aid that the speaker is referencing.Īvoid distributing materials before the speech. Point out key elements in the visual aid, especially if it is complicated. Make sure that everyone can see the visual aid, that any electronic equipment necessary for the visual aid is functioning (and that the speaker knows how to operate it), and that the visual aid is set up before the speech (there's few things worse for an audience then having to wait while a speaker fiddles with their equipment.) Visual aids are not crutches to lean on, but rather lampposts to illuminate.Įnsure the logistics of the setting are conducive to the visual aid. Do not allow the visual aid to overwhelm the speech itself. Supplement, do not supplant, the speech with the visual aid. Consistency between what is being said and what is being seen is crucial to a speaker's credibility. Make sure the visual aid supports the message.
Experience with one type of visual aid (a Powerpoint presentation, for example) does not necessarily provide the resources to deal with others (showing how to tie a shoe). The visual aid adds an additional focus for the audience, and the speaker should be able to effectively and smoothly interact with the aid to minimize distractions.
Giving background on where the information for the visual aid was obtained from provides the audience with more resources for understanding the content of the speech. Introduce a visual aid before talking about the information contained in it. A SPEAKER SHOULD NEVER TURN THEIR BACK TO AN AUDIENCE. When a speaker loses eye contact, they often end up turning their back to the audience. While the visual aid will be tempting to many speakers, the audience should still be their main focus. Traditionally, speakers have the visual aid on their left. Do not obscure the visual aid if at all possible. Photographs, Pictures, Diagrams, Sketches
Many speeches benefit from having objects, images, key quotes, or data presented in a clear and dramatic fashion. Visual aids can powerfully help the effectiveness of a speech.
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