III. Visuals

What are visuals?

graphs charts

maps photos

drawings images

models video/film

objects

What media are used?

transparencies/slides

Power Point slides

video projection/projector

handouts

It is often a good idea to give out a paper copy, called a handout, an outline, a glossary of key words, sources, any other visuals you plan to use, so people can take them away, not waste time in taking notes on key concepts.

What is the vocabulary of the equipment used?

blackboard, whiteboard, paperboard

chalk, felt tip pen or marker, eraser

podium, lectern, overhead,

overhead projector system (OHP)

screen

pointer

microphone, mike

opaque projector

What should you put on a visual?

key words

technical words

lists

examples

diagrams

charts

Vocabulary of graphs/chart

line graph (algorithmic, linear curve, line)

bar chart

flip chart

diagram

pie chart (segment, slice of the pie)

flow chart

organization chart

Why use visuals?

to focus the audience's attention

to illustrate points easier to understand in visual form but difficult in a verbal form (e.g. statistics)

to reinforce ideas

to change focus from aural/oral to visual

to involve and motivate the audience

to involve all the senses

to serve as logical proof

to save time and avoid putting information on a board

to avoid turning your back to the audience when writing on a board

to help the speaker

Text to put on a visual:

name, conference/company and company logo, date, title of presentation. Try to do this consistently but not to the detriment of a table or image.

full sentences are not to be used, unless a quote is given, give round figures

 N.B. Keep text to a minimum!