EFFECTIVE VISUAL AIDS
• Why use them?
• Tips
• PowerPoint slides
Effective Visual Aids
• Effective Visual Aids means using images, charts, graphs,
slides, or other visuals to help explain ideas clearly in a
presentation.
• Key Features of Effective Visual Aids:
• ✔ Clear & Simple – Avoid too much text or clutter.
✔ Relevant – Only use visuals that support your message.
✔ High Quality – Use sharp images and readable fonts.
✔ Engaging – Use colors and designs that attract
attention.
• They help make presentations more interesting,
understandable, and memorable
How we receive
information
Visuals
• Enhance understanding
• Helps make a boring topic more engaging.
• Support claims with evidence (e.g., graphs showing data).
• Help illustrate complex concepts
• Help the audience and the speaker keep focused and
organized.
• Have a lasting impact People remember images better
than just words.
How much information
do we retain
Types of Audiovisual
• PowerPoint slides
• Videos
• Objects
• Models
• Photographs
• Drawings
• Handouts, brochures, posters etc.
on Preparing
Visual Aids
Helpful Tips on
Preparing Visual Aids
Helpful Tips on Preparing Visual Aids
• ✅ Keep It Simple – Avoid too much text or clutter; use
bullet points and visuals.
✅ Use Readable Fonts – Choose clear fonts like Arial or
Calibri, and keep the text size large.
✅ Maintain Consistency – Use the same style, colors,
and font size throughout.
✅ Use High-Quality Images – Blurry visuals can distract
the audience.
✅ Limit Text – Use keywords instead of long sentences.
✅ Choose Effective Colors – Use contrasting colors for
readability (e.g., dark text on a light background).
Helpful Tips on
Preparing Visual Aids
• ✅ Use Charts & Graphs Wisely – Only include data that
supports your key points.
✅ Practice with Your Visuals – Ensure they flow
smoothly with your speech.
✅ Test Before Presenting – Check how the visuals
appear on different screens and projectors.
Using well-prepared visual aids makes your presentation
more engaging, clear, and professional
Prepare Ahead of Time
Preparation is key to success in any task, especially when
it comes to presentations, speeches, or written work. The
image humorously highlights the importance of
preparation by showing a child writing "SPEL IT RITE"
incorrectly on a chalkboard. This serves as a reminder
that failing to plan can lead to mistakes, embarrassment,
or ineffective communication.
on your slides
• Have simple words/ phrases
• Maximum about 5 items/ bullets
• Maximum two different font types
• Minimum 24 font size
Always ask for
feedback!
Avoid irrelevant visuals
When creating visual aids for presentations, using images and
graphics that directly support your message is essential. The image
above highlights a common mistake—using visuals that do not relate
to the topic.
“Wastewater is an asset and a problem in
an urbanizing world.”
?
Avoid irrelevant visuals
These visuals may confuse the audience because:
• ❌ They lack clarity – It is unclear how the images
connect to the statement.
❌ They distract rather than support – Instead of
reinforcing the message, they may shift focus away from
the main point.
❌ They reduce effectiveness – Unrelated visuals make
it harder for the audience to grasp the intended meaning.
Best Practices for
Using Visuals
• ✔ Choose relevant images – Ensure visuals directly
support your key message.
✔ Keep it simple – Avoid unnecessary decorations that
don’t add value.
✔ Use clear, high-quality visuals – Make sure they are
easy to understand and appropriate for the topic.
✔ Maintain consistency – Stick to a theme or style that
aligns with your content.
Delivery
• Arrange equipment in advance.
• Display visuals only when talking
about them.
• Integrate visuals smoothly.
Do not read straight from your visuals: It
emphasizes effective presentation skills, such as
summarizing key points, making eye contact, and
adding value beyond what's on the screen. look at your
audience, and explain things in your own words to make
your presentation more engaging and effective.
• Ask the audience to read OR listen: When delivering a presentation, it's
crucial to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information at once.
• People cannot effectively read and listen at the same time.
• If your slides contain too much text, your audience will either:
• Read the slides and ignore your spoken words.
• Listen to you and miss the details on the slides.
Best Practices for Presentations
• ✔ Use minimal text – Keep slides concise with key
points.
✔ Speak with clarity – Explain concepts
✔ Use visuals wisely – Graphics should support, not
replace, your message.
✔ Engage the audience – Encourage interaction
instead of overloading them with text.
• By striking the right balance between visuals and
speech, you ensure that your message is clear,
engaging, and easy to follow.
Point at What You Want Your Listeners to See
Effective presentations require clear communication,
and one simple way to enhance clarity is by directing
your audience’s attention to key information.
🔴 Why is pointing important?
• Guides focus – Listeners know exactly what to pay
attention to.
• Avoids confusion – Prevents people from scanning the
slide aimlessly.
• Enhances understanding – Helps reinforce key
concepts visually.
Point at
what you want your listeners to see.
Best Practices
• ✔ Use a laser pointer or hand gestures –
Highlight critical points.
✔ Synchronize speech with visuals –
Speak as you point to reinforce meaning.
✔ Maintain eye contact – Engage with the
audience while directing focus.
• By pointing out exactly what you want your
listeners to see, you ensure that your
message is clear, engaging, and impactful.
Do not block the screen: A common mistake during
presentations is standing in front of the projected content,
making it difficult for the audience to see.
🚫 Why Avoid Blocking the Screen?
• Obstructs visibility – Listeners cannot see important
information.
• Distracts the audience – Shifts focus from content to the
speaker.
• Reduces engagement – People may lose interest if they
struggle to follow.
✅ Best Practices
• ✔ Stand to the side – Position yourself where the
audience has a clear view.
✔ Use a pointer – Direct attention without stepping in
front of the screen.
✔ Check the projection – Be aware of your shadow
and adjust accordingly.
✔ Move purposefully – Avoid pacing in front of the
screen.
• By staying aware of your position, you ensure that
your audience remains focused on the content,
leading to a clearer and more effective presentation.
