It is customary to use visual content or objects to catch the attention of an audience and force key takeaways. For example, if you want to make a speech on bicycle safety, showing a cracked helmet while telling the story of how it saved someone´s life may cause a long-lasting, or even permanent impact on the audience.
Here are some points to keep in mind when using visual aids:
- Size and storability
Make sure the object will only be visible during the moment you want it to be seen. Having it visible beforehand will decrease the surprise factor and will distract the audience. Having it visible after you make your point will make it difficult for the audience to switch back to your presentation. The object has to appear and disappear with ease. - Large vs. small audience
With a small audience, not only should every person be able to see the object, but you may also have the opportunity to allow everyone to pass it along. In the example of the cracked helmet, the audience would be able to feel how tough the helmet is and see the size of the crack, reinforcing the importance of bike safety. On the other hand, with a large audience several people may not be able to see the object and passing it around may be a bad idea because you will not be able to continue with the presentation without having a portion of the audience distracted, waiting to receive the object. Therefore, consider not using visual aids with a large audience unless screens allow every viewer to easily see them. - Live demonstrations
Live demonstrations can be very effective as long as they are kept short. If you can do the demonstration in less than 30 seconds, it is better to repeat the demonstration instead of having one long one. In today’s information-excessive world it is challenging to capture full, undivided attention for more than 20, or even 10 seconds. Consider using a video instead if this saves time or if the positive outcome of a live demo is hard to guarantee. - Sound
Use sound wisely. Do not use a continuos sound while showing the visual aid, but use an expected, brief sound right before you want everybody´s attention. Imagine playing the sound of a car’s screeching brakes right before showing the crack in the helmet.
We hope these points give you a clearer idea on how to use visual aids wisely. Want these points to stick? Consider practicing for a speech on visual aids on the Speecher app:
https://speecherapp.com/app