How to Use Visual Aids?Visual aids help the audience to keep attention focused on presenter ideas. As visual aids involve the listener` sense of sight, the text must be easy to read and the message of every slide or sheet must be clear. There are several types of visual aids and you have to choose, which one of them is the best for the purpose of your presentation.
Types of Visual Aids: 1) Boards (blackboards, whiteboards) - Boards are very useful, if you want to write down some information (names, dates, places etc.) or if you want to draw something. You can also use boards when answering the questions. 2) Flip Charts - Flip Charts are inexpensive pads of large paper sheets. You can use flip charts in the same way as boards, but you do not have to erase the material that you have written. When using flip charts then it is recommended to use block letters, because it makes your ideas easier to read. Also, you can not use flip charts in a very big room, because they are rather small. 3) Posters and Charts - If you want to represent some photo or information in a graphic way, you can prepare posters or charts for your presentation. There are very different types of charts: diagrams, flow charst, pie graphs, line graphs etc. When preparing the poster, then you have to make it in a large enough size to be seen by everyone. 4) Objects and Models - You can use the recreations of objects (e.x machines, buildings) in order to describe some details or parts of different structures. 5) Overhead projectors - You can use overhead projectors for audience of 30 - 60 people, because projected image size can be too small to be seen from the back row. The main advantage of this type of projector is that you can face the audience when while introducing your points and views. Transparencies are also quite easy to make. 6) Handouts - You can use handouts, if you do not want to cover all the information of your topic. Handouts are also useful if you want people in the audience to read your main points or presentation summary at home. Sometimes handouts can distract listeners from your presentation. 7) Slides - Slides can be very effective and useful when presenting your ideas. You can use Powerpoint to emphasize key points, to show statistics or to show pictures. When using Powerpoint, there are several rules, which must be followed to create effective and clear presentation. You can find everything important about Powerpoint from here. - Powerpoint tips |
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