Checklist for Preparing Visual Aids Chapter 13

The textbook discusses these guidelines for preparing visual aids:

Prepare visual aids in advance.

Keep visual aids simple.

Make sure visual aids are large enough – use the entire screen.

Usually no more than ONE image per slide

Consider placing captions ON the image; ensure all letters are readable

Use fonts that are easy to read.

Use sans serif fonts, e.g., Arial for display titles

Use serif fonts, e.g., Times New Roman

Use a limited number of fonts, usually two.

Use color effectively.

Avoid red font and white font on black background.

Avoid large blocks of words or data: your audience will read ahead and not listen to your speech!

The textbook presents these guidelines for presenting visual aids: Checklist for Presenting Visual Aids: Chapter 13

Avoid using the whiteboard (or chalkboard).

Display the visual aids where listeners can see them.

Avoid passing visual aids among the audience.

Distribute hand-outs at end of speech unless needed for the presentation.

Display visual aids only while discussing them.

Talk to your audience, not to your visual aid,
monitor OR projector screen.

Explain visual aids clearly and concisely.

Practice with your visual aids.