Tips for Effective Visual Aids
DO
Choose landscape layout for most projected visuals (with PowerPoint this is the
default setting)
Select simple, clear fonts - eg Arial, Times New Roman
Use CAPITALS for short titles only
One main concept per slide
Use a 'bulleted' list to keep it simple
Make lettering large enough
Titles: 36 point or bigger
Body text:
Minimum = 18 point
Preferred = 24 point
For emphasis use bold font
Ensure that text contrasts strongly with background
Dark text on light coloured background is good for transparencies and OK for
PowerPoint
Light text on darker coloured background is good for slides
Cool colours such as blues are good for backgrounds with white or yellow text
Stick to the same colour combinations throughout the presentation
DONT
Use red with green or blue
Use more than 3 different fonts in total
Use CAPITALS for long phrases
Use more than 6-8 words per line and no more than 8 lines per slide
Use Italics. If you must use italics make it bold
Write over graphics, especially photographs
EXAMPLES
Example of an ineffective visual aid
Example of an effective visual aid
Using Visual Aids | 10 Tips
Using visual aids can make your presentations clearer and more interesting. But you have to
use visual aids carefully. People have become bored by PowerPoint slides, so you have to work
doubly hard to keep them interested.
When it is helpful to use PowerPoint or other visual aids, follow these
10 Tips for Using Visual Aids
Tip 1. Plan your presentation before creating visual aids.
Know what you want the audience to do as a result of hearing your presentation. Then figure
out what they need to know to do what you want them to do. Then create a simple outline that
logically and clearly develops your main points. Finally, create visual aids to support your
message.
Tip 2. Use visual aids sparingly.
They are aids to your presentation not its sum and substance. Using visual aids is meant
to highlight and support your key points.
Tip 3. Make your visual aids visible to the entire audience.
Projecting an image people cant see is as senseless as speaking so softly people cant hear.
Tip 4. Talk to the audience, not to your visual aids.
Look at the audience at least 80% of the time. Avoid turning your back to the audience.
Tip 5. Avoid laser pointers.
Your visual aids should be so clear that your audience can easily follow along. Use your hand, if
necessary. (If you absolutely have to use a pointer, set it down after you are finished. Holding
on to it will only encourage you to use it for every point on every slide.)
Tip 6. Explain the content of the visual aid when you first show it.
As soon as you show people an object, they will look at it even if youre talking about
something else. Dont make them divide their attention.
Tip 7. When you finish with the visual aid, remove it, cover it, or turn
it off.
(See above.) When using PowerPoint, tap the B key and the screen will go to black. Tap any
other key and the screen light up again.
Tip 8. Limit the amount of material on any one visual aid.
Use each slide to convey a single point. Bullet points no more than four or five per slide
explain, illustrate, or substantiate that one point.
Tip 9. Avoid clip art from well-known sources.
Its almost always boring and amateurish. DO use images, graphs, and charts, whenever
possible and appropriate.
Tip 10. Be prepared to give your presentation without your visual
aids.
Murphys Law if anything can go wrong, it will applies in spades to anything involving
technology and an audience. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Take a hard
copy of your slides.
More Tips for Effective Use of Visual Aids
To PowerPoint or not to PowerPoint, this is a question that all presenters must ask. Visual
aids (PowerPoint, overheads, flip charts, DVDs, etc.) can add power and depth to a presentation,
often boosting attention, clarity, and interest. But beware, used ineffectively visual aids can
weaken a presentation or, in the worst case scenario, alienate the participants.
Below are some common sense tips to help you incorporate visual aids effectively:
Be sure your visual aids can be seen and understood by everyone.
If you are using technology, be certain that you can use it proficiently. Fumbling with the
equipment will break the flow of any presentation.
Dont overuse visual aids; use them only when they support your content directly
Dont overload any visual aid with too many words or graphics
Remember that your visual aids support your presentation, they are not the presentation
itself
Ask yourself if any particular visual aid will increase learning. If it doesnt do this
directly, dont use it.
Always ask yourself the question: Why am I using this visual aid and does it work to
increase the impact of my presentation?
Always have a backup plan if a visual aid fails (like a bulb burning out)
Be sure to avoid using copyrighted material without permission
Make certain that the rooms lighting supports your visual aid. Watch for things like
glare, a washed out screen, dark spots, etc.
Dont allow visual aids to take your attention away from the participants.
Be very aware of your timing. Dont. for example, rush through your slides so people
cant keep up or, on the flip side, dont break your delivery rhythm by lingering too long
on one visual.
Remember that your audience is literate so you dont have to read everything on your
visuals to them, assuming of course that they can see your visuals clearly.
Overuse of one kind of visual is usually the kiss of death for presenters. For example,
taking the time to write every little thing on a flip chart sheet will try the patience of
even the most forgiving participant.
If you are writing on a transparency or flipchart, be sure your handwriting is legible and
large enough to be seen by everyone.
On your presentation evaluation ask participants to give you feedback about your visual
aids. Weed out those visuals that arent working.
