The Do’sAnd DON’TS

OF VISUAL AIDS

Two Main Purposesof Visual Aids

1. To enhance presentation

2. See #1

PowerPoints are Overdone

• Follow these tips if you’re going to do them

Type

• Readable and consistent

• Notice how distracting this font can be

• Or this• Use a heading on each slide – Main Points

(see above)

• Write phrases – not complete sentences

• AVOID speling, gramaticle mistaks

Background

• Keep it consistent on all slides

Like This

Clean and simple is good

Avoid distracting backgroundsAvoid distracting backgrounds

Notice where your eye Notice where your eye first goes on this slidefirst goes on this slide

Use white space around items

• Keep it on the outside

• Add some color to slides – but be careful• Avoid annoying effects – USE

SPARINGLY

Use Visuals to Enhance and Explain

What the heck is that? You’re thinking

Let me explain

Charts, Graphs & Pictures

• Can be very helpful to show figures etc.

• Pictures are also very good to illustrate a concept

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ClichedPowerPoints

Well-designed

visual aids

Last but not Least - PRACTICE

Prepare your visual aid(s) in advance Practice using them in speech

Oral Citations

Should include basic MLA information: Author (if possible) or Title Type of source: URL if website Date of publication or access

For example: “According to www.eresource.com which I accessed on May 7, 2008 . . .

Or: “In a personal interview with Keith Vencel on May 7, 2008, he stated . . .

Pre-Speech Tricks

Visualize EVERYTHING you will do. Concentrate on tense part – tense even more – then

relax Make funny faces (not in public) Focus on pleasant memories: beach,

girlfriend/boyfriend etc. Rational approach: think of something really

frightening, compare. Think of all your practice.

During Speech

Keep handkerchief for sweat (no tissues!) Quavering voice: lower pitch, breathe deeply speak

distinctly and slowly Trembling hands: use body movement to dissipate

energy. Move hands for emphasis. Pounding heart: No one knows Fumbled words: Expect them. Minor, keep going –

major, fix it and acknowledge it with smile. Forgetfulness: GOOD NOTECARDS

Good Note cards

Contain signposts – reminders of main points (transfer from outline)

Large text - numbered Opening, oral citations and closing can be

written out – but DON’T READ Put heading on back