By: Edward Hope
In public speaking the primary method of getting ideas across will be through the auditory sense of the audience. However, visual aids make a speech more interesting for the audience and more effective when used well. They provide an interesting variety from so many words. By using visual aids you are engaging another of the audience’s senses.
In recent years one particular visual aid has been extensively used (and possibly overused) and that is the power point presentation. If used well it adds to the effectiveness of the speech or presentation. Other visual aids that can be used effectively in public speaking are video clips, whiteboards, flipcharts, models, objects, pictures etc.
To get the best out of the using visual aids apply the following techniques;-
1. The visual aid should help to make a difficult subject clear and easily understood. For example, when a high school boy was explaining jet propulsion he used a toy balloon. He blew it up and let it go and said “jet propulsion works like that.”
2. The concept or information being portrayed must be quickly taken in and grasped by the audience. For powerpoint slides this means they should be uncluttered and not filled with too many words.
3. All the audience should be able to be see the visual aid at the same time. Before the audience arrives try sitting where your listeners will be sitting to ensure they can see from the floor. If you are using an object and holding it up – be bold and do not half hide it in your hands or clasp it to your chest.
4. Speak to the audience and not to the visual aid. Inanimate objects have yet to act upon anything said to them. While writing on a whiteboard, flipchart or blackboard keep your back away from the audience as much as possible. Also when using powerpoint slides they should contain a few points outlined, not the whole speech and not be read word for word.
5. Visual aids can be used to help steady nerves as they can give your hands something to do – writing, drawing or holding something up for the audience to see. Naturally once you have finished talking about an “object” it should be put down. Similarly with powerpoint you could consider blanking the screen when you have finished with a slide.
6. The visual aids should be completely planned for the situation. Practice with the aids to make sure they fit with your speech and can be worked in naturally.
7. The visual aids selected should make the ideas being presented clear, vivid and effective. Spare no effort to find aids that will support the points being presented. Carefully think through the aids to be used to support the ideas being presented.
8. Be prepared. When using video clips, powerpoint etc check that they work before you start to present by going through a dry run before the audience get there. It will also pay to know any technical staff at the event or meeting as you will need their help during the speech, especially if the unexpected happens.
In public speaking your audience will give you a million silent thanks if you use your visual aids effectively. Use them to support your speech not to give your speech. Choosing aids wisely that support and illustrate your speech will greatly increase the effectiveness of your public speaking.
