Presentations are enhanced with visual aids that emphasize key points and illustrate concepts. Common visual aids include slides, computer presentations, overhead transparencies, flip charts, posters and samples. Once your speech is prepared, visual aids can be made to support sections in your presentation. Computer presentations provide versatility, showing key points and pictures as slides to large and small audiences. Other common visual aids are generally effective when used in smaller group settings. Overhead transparencies provide a useful tool for demonstration and for writing down information for your audience to see in real time. Flip charts provide a more casual visual aid that supports interaction among the audience and note-taking that is not as obtrusive as an overhead projector and screen. All visual aids should serve a supporting role in your presentation so that they don't detract from the speech or distract the audience from focusing on the speaker.
Instructions
Slides
1. Launch your presentation application (for example, PowerPoint) and create a new presentation by selecting "New" under "File" in the top menu bar.
2. Type the title of your presentation. Insert a new slide by selecting "New slide" under "Insert" in your top menu bar. Most presentation applications will automatically insert a slide with a different format containing fields for a title and bulleted copy. Type your slide title in the top field, and then type key points in the bottom section.
3. Insert another new slide by selecting "New slide" under "Insert," and then select "Layout" under "Format." Choose your desired format from the thumbnails in the list, such as a picture with a slide title. Click the "Apply" button. Type the slide title in the top field, and click the bottom field to open a dialog box to select your picture or photo file. Click the "Insert" button.
4. Insert more slides, type slide titles and copy, and insert graphics to build your presentation (i.e., repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary). Select "Save" under "File" in the top menu bar. Type the name of your presentation, and select the destination location. Click the "Save" button.
5. Change the design theme of your presentation by selecting "Slide design" under "Format" in the top menu bar. Select a design theme from the list of thumbnails. Click the box next to "Apply to all slides," then click the "Apply" button. Select "Save" under "File" in the top menu bar. Select "View show" under "Slide Show" in your top menu bar to preview how the presentation flows and will be displayed. Make revisions and adjustments as desired.
Overheads
6. Type supportive materials---such as diagrams, bulleted text and worksheets---on the computer. Compile files of graphics and pictures electronically, or print them out.
7. Organize the supportive materials according to your presentation flow, either electronically or by arranging printouts.
8. Photocopy the materials on transparencies or print the electronic files using transparencies compatible with your printer. Insert blank paper between each transparency.
9. Recheck the sequence of transparencies according to your presentation. Number each transparency page in one corner, such as the top right, for easy identification.
Flip Charts
10. Write the title of your presentation in large letters on the first page of your flip chart or pad. Flip the page up and over to expose the next page (do not tear the page off).
11. Write the title or emphasis on the page, such as "Topics for Today" or "Brainstorming Ideas." Paste pictures or charts, or draw a blank template for an interactive exercise or discussion, as desired, making sure to leave room for writing. Flip the page up and over to expose the next page (do not tear the page off).
12. Repeat the preparation of flip-chart pages as needed (see step 2), making sure to leave enough room for writing and keeping each flip-chart page focused on one idea or exercise.
Tags: your presentation, visual aids, File menu, slide title, under File
