How to Effectively Use Visuals

Christina Rombousek
EDUC 359
 Words
 Do: Do Not:

• Bullet your information. • Have paragraphs on your slides.

• Simplify the number of words on • Add fluff to your slides.

each slide.
• Read every single thing put on your slide.
• Include only essential
information. • Use fonts that are difficult for the audience to read.

• Allow the audience to read • Use all capital letters.

some of the information on their
own.
 Colors
 Do:
• Use the same text color
throughout the slides.
• Use a color that will grab the
audience’s attention.
• Use contrasting colors for text
and background.
• Make sure the audience can
read the text on the slides.
Do Not:
• Use multiple different text
colors on each slide.
• Use colors that make it so the
audience cannot read the
words.
• Use patterned backgrounds,
as they can reduce the
readability of the text.
 Images
 Do:
• Use good quality images.
• Use images that relate to your
topic.
• Add pictures to replace
information that you can
expand on orally.
• Make sure the audience can
see the images.
Do Not:
• Use images that are low
quality.
• Use images that do not
relate to your topic.
• Add too many pictures per
slide.
• Make the pictures too small.
 Delivery
 Do: Do Not:

• Practice your presentation • Read directly from your

before giving it. slides.

• Speak directly to your • Speak to your slides, not

audience. facing the audience.

• Have a plan b in the event • Turn your back on the

of technical difficulties. audience.

• Add more information that is

not put on your slides when
speaking.
 Special Effects
 Do: Do Not:

• Add fun effects that • Add too many special

engage the audience. effects such as
animation and sounds.
• Limit the amount of
transitions you have • Use too many flashy
between slides. transitions that will
distract your audience.
• Make sure the effects
enhance your • Use unnecessary text
presentation, not the animations that do not
opposite. relate to your topic.
 Audience
 Do:
• Engage the audience and
include them in your
presentation.
• Talk directly to your
audience.
• Ask questions to have them
participate throughout.
• Know your audience and
what information they need.
• Build time for a Q&A.
Do Not:
• Give handouts at the
beginning of the
presentation. This can
cause distractions.
• Ignore the audience or
their questions.
• Rush through your
presentation without
engaging your audience.
 Organization
 Do: Do Not:

• Create a structure for your • Add too many slides to

presentation so it flows. your presentation.

• Proof read and edit your • Put your presentation in

presentation. any random order.

• Limit the number of slides in • Leave your presentation

your presentation. without proofreading.

• Use section dividers to break • Make the presentation

up your content. hard for your audience to
understand or stay
engaged.