VISUAL AIDSTHE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

RULE #1• What is the most important visual aid that

is a part of every speech?

YOU ARE!!

Rule #2

• Not everything is a visual aid! (and)

• Just because you have a visual aid doesn’t mean you should use it!!

Follow-up to Rule #2

A BAD visual aid is WORSE than NO visual aid.

Power of the Visual

Rule #3• Make sure your visual illustrates

your speech• Only use if the visual:

• Helps to explain• Simplifies a difficult concept• Helps to set the tone or mood for

the audience

10 Quick Guidelines for Use1. Make sure that all can see

2. Make sure it supports the purpose.

o If not, it really is irrelevant

• Large enough for all to see but small enough to carry in

Guidelines # 3 & 4• Make sure

visuals are in proper place before you begin

• Make sure that you look at your audience while you are using your aids

Guidelines #5 & 65. Make your visual be a surprise

o Don’t let the cat out of the bag too early - literally

6. Don’t overload speech with gimmicks!

7. Keep visuals simple and easy to grasp

8.Synchronize aids with your remarks

o And remove when you are done

with it

9. Get to the point quickly

o Lord’s Prayer 56 words

o Declaration of Independence 1322 words

o Federal Regulations on Olives 11, 400 words

10. No more than 3 types of visual aids!

Final Comments• Each visual aid

should only contain one message

• More than one message just brings confusion

• Determine the difference between what you will say and what the visual aid will show. Do not read straight from your visuals.

• Ask the audience to read or listen. NOT BOTH!

Types of Visual Aids• Anything is really a possibility:

1.PowerPoint 5. Video2.Posters 6. Chalkboard3.Objects 7. Audio4.Overhead Projector

Things to consider…..• Don’t pass around photos or small objects

• Don’t wait until the speech to figure out how to use the appropriate technology

• Save handouts for after speech unless they are interactive