Chapter Twenty

Using Presentation Aids in Your

Speech

Chapter Twenty

Table of ContentsFunctions of Presentation AidsTypes of Presentation AidsOptions for Displaying Presentation

Aids*

Using Presentation Aids in the Speech

Presentation aids include objects, models, graphs, charts, video, audio, and multimedia which help listeners to see relationships among concepts and elements, store and remember material, and critically examine key ideas. Presentation aids should supplement,

rather than serve as, your ideas.*

Functions of Presentation Aids

Presentation aids can help listeners process and retain information, spark interest, convey information in a time-saving fashion, and enhance an image of professionalism.*

Functions of Presentation Aids

Help Listeners Retain and Process Information

Promote Interest and MotivationConvey Information ConciselyLend a Professional Image*

Functions of Presentation Aids:

Help Listeners Process and Retain Information

Research findings indicate that we remember only 20% of what we hear, but over 50% of what we see and hear.*

Functions of Presentation Aids:

Promote Interest and Motivation

Presentation aids allow listeners to engage the right side of their brain, which handles visualization, music, and drawing.

Literally seeing the facts in front of them can make a significant difference in how listeners respond to an appeal.*

Functions of Presentation Aids:

Convey Information Concisely

Pictures can vividly describe an object, scene, or event instantaneously.

Statistical information can be communicated much more efficiently and effectively through graphs and charts than through verbal descriptions.*

Functions of Presentation Aids:

Lend a Professional Image

Quality visual aids demonstrate that work has gone into your presentation.

By giving your listeners the impression that you approach the presentation professionally, it will motivate them to do the same.*

Types of Presentation Aids

The selection of particular types of presentation aids should be based on the speech content, the audience, and the occasion.*

Types of Presentation Aids

Object and ModelsPictures (Photographs,

Drawings, Diagrams, Maps, and Posters)

Graphs and ChartsAudio and VideoMultimedia*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Objects and Models

Objects (live or inanimate) add substance and authenticity.*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Objects and Models

A model is a three- dimensional, scale-sized representation of an object.*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Pictures (Photographs, Drawings, Diagrams, Maps, and Posters)

Picture A two-dimensional representation of

people, places, objects, or ideas produced on an opaque backing

Diagram A picture, or schematic drawing, that

explains how something works, is constructed, or is operated*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Pictures (Photographs, Drawings, Diagrams, Maps, and Posters)

Map A representation on a flat surface of a

whole or part of an areaPoster

A large two-dimensional design incorporating words, shapes, and color, placed on an opaque backing*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Graphs and ChartsGraph

A representation of numerical data in visual form

Line Graph Displays one measurement, usually

plotted on the horizontal axis, and units of measurement or values, plotted on the vertical axis

Bar Graph Shows bars of varying lengths to compare

quantities or magnitudes*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Graphs and Charts

Pie Graph Depicts the

division of a whole

Pictogram Shows

comparisons in picture form*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Graphs and Charts

Chart Visually organizes complex information

into compact formFlowchart

A diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure, a relationship, or a process*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Graphs and Charts

Organizational Chart Illustrates the organizational structure

or chain of command in an organizationTable

A systematic grouping of data or numerical information in column form*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Audio and Video

Audio Clip A short recording

of sounds, music, and/or speech*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Audio and Video

Video Visual and audio

medium that combines sight, sound, and movement to illustrate speech concepts*

Types of Presentation Aids:

Multimedia

Multimedia Combines several media (voice, video,

text, and data) into a single productionThe more senses you evoke, the more

memorable the speech event will be*

Options for Displaying Presentation Aids

The varieties of presentation options include chalkboards, flip charts, overhead projection, slides, and computer projection and display technology.*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid

Slide TransparenciesOverhead TransparenciesComputer-Generated Graphics

and DisplayFlip ChartsChalk BoardsHandouts*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid:

Slide Transparencies

Slide Transparency An image reproduced on transparent film

mounted in a frame and projected onto a screen or wall for viewing

Slides offer a clear vivid image; however since they must be shown in a darkened room, eye contact between the speaker and the audience may suffer.*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid:

Overhead Transparencies

Overhead Transparency An image on a transparent background

that can be viewed by transmitted lightLCD projectors come with a light

source, eliminating the need for an overhead projector.

Transparencies and LCD projectors are relatively inexpensive and simple to operate.*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid:

Computer Graphics and Display

Computer-generated graphics are presentation aids created on the computer.

LCD panel A device connected to a computer and

placed on top of an overhead projector that allows the speaker to project what is on the computer screen*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid:

Flip Charts

Flip Chart A large pad of paper on which to draw

visual aidsFlip charts are inexpensive; however,

they do require some artistic skill so that your images aren’t awkward or sloppy.*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid:

Chalkboards

Chalkboard A board on which to write with chalk or

another type of markerTry to reserve the chalkboard for

quick or impromptu explanations.The process of writing or drawing

reduces contact between the presenter and the audience.*

Options for Displaying the Presentation Aid:

Handouts

A handout is a page-size item that is either convenient for the audience to hold or which is intended to be kept after the presentation.

Only distribute handouts at the moment when you want the audience to read them.*