Presentation Aids
In many respects, speeches are no longer what they used to be. Sure, they still have the same general formats, structures, and
purposes, but the manner with which people deliver them has changed substantially in recent years. Up until recently, speakers would
stand in front of an audience and detail their main points. If the speech was complicated, then the audience just had to pay really close
attention. Today, however, we have means speakers can use to take complicated materials and make them more understandable
through visual representations. These presentation aids fundamentally transformed professions in which speaking is an essential part
of the job, such as teaching. Today’s advanced digital and multimedia platforms provide great assistance to speakers, but they must be
used properly.
In this chapter, we will address presentation aids, or as they are more commonly called, visual aids, and explain how to properly use
them in your speech. We will first go over traditional types of aids, before moving on to more advanced technological types. Finally, we
will provide guidelines for implementing and using these aids within your speech so that they help, not hurt, your presentation.
Traditional Aids
Presentation aids come in a variety of different forms, but each has its purpose. Today, we focus more on PowerPoint™, Prezi™,
Keynote™, and other digital means for aiding a presentation; however, much of what appears in these platforms is merely a digital
representation of basic traditional presentation aids. In this section, we will discuss five of these traditional aids, which have been used
for many years. We call them traditional presentation aids because they do not necessarily appear in electronic forms. For instance,
for many years transparencies were used by both professors and students when providing information such as graphs of data.
Transparencies may be moving toward extinction, but graphs are not. So, here we will explain the traditional ways of visually depicting
complicated information so that you may then incorporate them into a multimedia presentation.
Models
The first type of traditional aid we will go over is a model, which is a three-dimensional representation of an actual object. To be
effective, models need to be made to scale so that the audience gets an idea of what they are looking at and how it might function in its
actual environment. Science teachers often use a scale model of human organs, such as the brain or heart. Museums and students at
science fairs create models of the solar system, with the sun in the center and the planets represented in their proper positions. These
visual representations show how things are represented in space while allowing the audience to see them in a reasonable size. It would
be very hard, for example, for a speaker to use a model of the heart at its actual size when speaking to an audience of fifty, so they
create a model to scale to enable everyone to see it.
Charts
Models are not the only traditional form of presentation aid useful to speakers. A more common example is a chart, such as a frequency
table. Charts allow you to visually depict summaries of numeric data for an audience. For example, if a manager is briefing his
superiors on how productive different geographic regions have been in terms of sales, he might construct a chart that depicts sales for
each region of the country and rank them from highest to lowest earnings. Charts help audiences quickly identify key points about data
that would normally take a longer time to explain.
Graphs
One specific type of chart that speakers often rely on is a graph. Graphs help illustrate how numerical data relate to one another.
Statistics are helpful if the audience can understand them, and graphs illustrate the impact and relationship of numerical information.
Graphs also come in many forms, and you should choose the one that best illustrates your information to the audience in an
uncomplicated way.
Briefly, let’s examine the three types of graphs that are most commonly used as presentation aids. First, there are line graphs, which
use lines drawn along two axes to show growth, loss, or flat developments over time (see Figure 16.1).
Figure 16.1
Next, there are bar graphs, which also show two axes, but the bars run either horizontally or vertically to represent total achievement.
For example, the vertical axis can be years, while the horizontal axis represents profit for a business in millions of dollars. The bars
extend up for each year to the total profit achieved in that year (see Figure 16.2).
Figure 16.2
The third type of graph is a histogram, which is similar in appearance to a bar graph. A histogram is a visual representation of a
frequency table in which the categories are placed on the horizontal axis, while vertical bars are used to represent the number (or
frequency) of individuals that fit into that category. Histograms are usually used when data is continuous, so the categories on the
horizontal axis represent an interval of scores that make up that category. For example, you might use a histogram to represent the
grades that were earned on the first speech in class. Grade categories (A, B, C, etc.) would be shown on the horizontal axis, and the
height of the vertical bar would represent the number of people who earned a specific grade (see Figure 16.3).
Figure 16.3
Finally, we have pie graphs, which are circles that are “sliced” apart to represent percentages of the total “pie” for particular groups or
categories (see Figure 16.4).
Figure 16.4
There are several types of graphs from which you may choose, and you select
the one that best represents your point.
Objects
The fourth type of traditional presentation aid we will detail is an object. An object differs from a model in that it is the actual thing
being discussed and not a representation of it constructed to scale. Objects are useful presentation aids for speakers who seek to
demonstrate something to an audience. Think about the now-infamous infomercials for the cleaning product called a Sham Wow™.
The speaker used the actual product in a demonstration for the audience while explaining how and why it operated. Objects should
be used only when they are of a reasonable and accessible size, as you do not want to carry around large bulky items. There are
also some types of objects that you are not allowed to bring into a classroom, including weapons, alcohol, illegal substances, and live
animals. In those instances, you should simply use a model or a picture.
Photographs
The fifth and last type of traditional presentation aid is a photograph. Today’s digital cameras and cellular phones allow you instant
access to an image. There is a vast assortment of photographs available on the Internet. Photos allow the audience to experience the
event, action, or person in a real-life context. They can also generate an emotional response from the audience, thus enhancing your
appeal.
Traditional speaking aids have been around for a while, but with technological advances, speakers now have a variety of options
available. In the next section, we will discuss how technology has enhanced our delivery options with presentation aids.
Technological Aids
Technology has enhanced our ability to make presentations and changed the manner we can use to deliver traditional presentation aids.
Now we can provide video and audio technology with our presentation, thus making it even more dynamic. It is important to remember,
however, that these technological tools, although exciting and attractive, do not substitute for, and should not overshadow, your speech.
In this section, we will discuss how video and audio can enhance a speech, as well as provide you with tips for constructing effective
slideshow presentations using PowerPoint™, Keynote™, Prezi™, or other similar programs.
Video
Video can be very effective in short bursts, but you must remember that you are giving a speech and the video is an aid, not your entire
speech. Frankly, the video should not be a large part of your presentation. Pre-recorded videos, YouTube clips, or other such videos
should be used to help an audience understand a point you are making, not be employed just to fill the time. They also require that you
explain where the video came from and how it is relevant to the point under discussion. Without the explanation, the audience will feel
the video clip was used simply to add time, and they will not understand its connection to the speech topic.
There are numerous times when a brief video clip would help to enhance a speech. In a demonstration speech, a presenter may find a
video explaining how to use a particular tool or accomplish a specific task. In persuasive speaking, videos may be helpful to enhance
testimonial evidence by allowing the audience to see the people as they endorse a product. Regardless of what you are trying to
accomplish by showing the video, do not comment while the video is playing; let the audience focus their attention on the medium. If
you need to explain something happening in the video, then pause it to do so. This ensures that the audience stays focused on the
message and not the presentation aid.
Audio
In addition to video, audio also can be a good supplement to a speech, but, like video, it has some limitations. Audio clips allow an
audience to hear expert and peer testimony straight from the source, rather than paraphrased or quoted by you. Audio also can help
provide sound effects that illustrate key sounds in a speech that you cannot deliver on your own. For example, an engineer could
explain how to identify when a machine is stalling due to a malfunctioning piece of equipment by providing the particular sound it makes.
Audio is, however, not usually used on its own. In fact, you should always ask yourself if the audio clip you intend to play for the
audience helps them understand something more clearly. If it does, then you are using it appropriately, but if it does not, then you
should not incorporate it into your presentation. In any event, technologies such as audio and video can be combined with the more
traditional presentation aids we discussed earlier.
Slideshow Presentations
In the last twenty years, presentation software has been readily available for students, professors, and professionals to use when
delivering remarks. You can now choose from PowerPoint™, Keynote™, Prezi™, and several other platforms to create a dynamic and
colorful slideshow.
We first discuss a mistake that many novices make when creating slideshows: wordiness. In essence, placing too many words on
slides turns them into giant note cards that are then read to and by the audience. This design is unprofessional and defeats the purpose
of visual aids by distracting the audience from your speech. Remember, these are presentation aids, not your entire presentation.
Professors are often guilty of this approach. Think of teachers you might have had who put their entire lecture on PowerPoint slides.
We would wager you paid more attention to writing down what was on the slide than listening to and understanding what the instructors
were saying. Salespeople are also often guilty of putting too much information on slides for sales presentations.
Embedding Video and Audio
You may want to embed video or audio into your speech. Embedding a video allows you to save the video directly in your slideshow
program so you do not have to link to an external Web site, such as YouTube, to show the video clip. Most presentation software
programs allow you to do this, but you should practice to make sure it works the way you want it to. This is especially important if you
will be using a different computer during your presentation since there are occasional compatibility problems among operating systems
or software. Another option for displaying video is to link directly to the URL on an overhead slide. The problem with this approach is that
the Internet might be down and you will not be able to access the link. Whenever possible, it is a good idea to embed the video in the
slide and include the URL in the notes field so that you have a backup option for showing the video.
Color Schemes
Slideshow presentation programs have a myriad of color selections from which you may choose. It is important to be aware, however,
that not all color schemes go well together. Color can help your audience focus on a specific item on the slide, and it also can contribute
to the mood or emotional dimensions of your speech. There are three significant areas for which you choose color applications on
slides: background, borders, and lettering. It is important that the lettering be visible, so do not choose the same or similar color for the
background and borders. If you are using a dark background, use light colored text, and vice versa.
One simple color scheme to use is black and white, but these colors do not generate much energy. Certain topics lend themselves
to a particular color palette. For example, a speech about breast cancer might use pink, while one about communism might use red.
Whichever color pattern you use, realize that what you see on your computer monitor may not look the same as what you will see in a
classroom on a giant overhead monitor. To avoid this potentially catastrophic problem, test your color pattern in advance.
Animation
Many slideshow programs now allow for rudimentary forms of animation. Animation can be clever, but it can also be distracting and
even cause headaches and nervousness in your audience. Having spinning pinwheels and stars fading in and out may be creative,
but do not assume that it makes your speech better. If you use animation, make sure it is fleeting and does not run throughout your
speech. For example, you might have a key word quickly fly into place or use animation to highlight a specific part of a diagram. After
it has served its purpose, you should disengage the animation and focus upon the remaining portion of your speech. If used correctly,
animation can help bring something to the audience’s attention, but it also can distract from your speech.
Dos and Don’ts of Slideshow Usage
Constructing a slideshow can seem like you are writing a whole new presentation. Developing the slides also can become a distraction
when preparing to speak because it is a uniquely creative endeavor that taps into our desire to invent things. Table 16.1 provides a list
of dos and dont’s for creating a slideshow.
Table 16.1
Dos and Don'ts of Slideshow Usage
Do Don't
• Prepare slides carefully
• Make sure slides are of the
proper size
• Practice with your slides
• Ensure slides are visually
pleasing
• Have a backup plan
• Ensure slides are
relevant
• Refer to slides when
discussing them
• Use if unnecessary
• Speak to the aid
• Look too much at the aid
• Trust technology
• Use slides as note cards
• Use as an outline
• Depend upon them too
much
As you can see, regardless of their format, presentation aids can assist you with your speech’s success if used properly. In the final
section, we will provide you with some basic guidelines to consider when preparing presentation aids. Realize that each speaking
situation has its own opportunities and challenges, so what works in one speech does not automatically work in another.
Guidelines for Using Presentation Aids
There are several things you should think about when considering presentation aids. First, they should be used to help you accomplish
the goals of your speech. They should help the audience understand complicated evidence, testimony, or arguments. They should not
be used as a form of window dressing, nor should they be a distraction to you or the audience.
The type of presentation aid you use depends upon what your topic is and what you want your audience to retain. Research has shown
that presentation aids help the audience remember certain aspects of your speech, but not the whole thing. Besides, you want the
content of your speech, not the actual aids you used, to be the takeaway for an audience.
The next thing to consider is how to deliver a speech with presentation aids. When speaking, your focus should always be your
audience; do not turn and talk to the aid. Speak to the audience as if the aid were not there, and if you need to mention it to the
audience, then do so when discussing the points you wish to make. Remove each aid you use as soon as you are finished so that your
audience is not distracted. One helpful way to do this with slideshows is to insert blank slides at points where you know the aid is not
needed. This is much better than placing an unnecessary visual in view of the audience.
Finally, practice your speech with the presentation aids. You need to appear comfortable handling them and transitioning between
slides, and to do this requires practice. This also creates the impression that the aids are extensions of you and your content, and not a
distinctly separate element of the talk.
