Using visual aids successfully requires practice. Displaying them too soon, too late, or too quickly will decrease their impact.
Consider these tips to successfully show visual aids:
1. Display a visual just before you are ready to talk about it
Your audience will look at a visual the moment you display it. Pause, giving the audience time to read and comprehend it, then begin discussing the point.
2. Don’t talk to the screen or flipchart or read from it
Maintain eye contact with the audience as you display the visual.
3. Display it long enough
Show the visual as long as it takes you to discuss the point it makes, then remove it. If you are using an overhead projector, display black or opaque transparencies between visuals to avoid showing a bright white screen. Don’t continue to show a visual after you have moved on to a new point.
4. Don’t block the visual
The entire audience must be able to see it. If you’re projecting a visual onto a screen or using a flipchart, stand off to the left side. To point out something on the screen or chart, use your left hand or a pointer. If you’re holding an object for the audience to see, display it to the left or right of your body. Effective visual aids are easy to read and understand and are pleasing to view.
5. Don’t write as you speak
If you’re writing on a flipchart or overhead transparency, pause as you write. Then turn back to the audience and begin to speak.
6. Display the correct visual
If you forget part of your presentation or present material out of sequence, you may unwittingly display the wrong visual. If possible, before you display a visual, check that it is the correct one.
7. Have them ready
Before your presentation, check the room to make sure listeners will have clear views of your visual aids. Put them in place and ready for use. Double-check any electronic equipment to make sure it is functioning.
8. Rehearse
Practice with your visuals until you can display them smoothly and confidently.
Keep in mind
Visual aids are one type of support material for a speech. To be effective, visual aids should be easy to read and understand as well as pleasing to view.
