Visual aids serve as cue cards for the speaker and help the audience absorb information.
       Aid means to help or assist, not to take over a speech.  Simplicity is the key to designing
        effective visual aids for speeches and presentations.

       Two types of visual aids are used in presentations:

             Text visuals (words only)

             Graphic visuals (line, pie, bar, and flow charts, diagrams, maps, drawings, and tables)

                Use text visuals like headings in a report to summarize ideas and signal transitions; start with
                a visual “title page,” follow with a list of the key supporting points, and insert text visuals
                throughout.

       When designing graphic visuals, which illustrate main points and provide supporting
        information:

                Use simplified versions of graphic aids used in reports
                Use title that states point of each visual aid

      How to use visual aids in a presentation:

                Be sure audience can see visual aid from distance
                    (If it can't be seen by the audience, then what good is it?)
                Limit each visual aid to one main idea
                    (Too much clutter will distract audience members.)
                Use visuals for main points only
                    (You shouldn't write out your speech on the visuals.)
                Do not use visuals that contradict verbal message
                Pause to let audience read
                Do not read text visuals word for word; paraphrase
                Remove visual when you have finished explaining it
                    (It will continue to distract the audience and it can also fall down.)

      The main types of visual aids:

                    Objects can help clarify your ideas and give them dramatic impact.  They can be
                        animate or inanimate.  

                    Models may be used if an item is too large, too, small, or unavailable.  
  
                    Photographs may be a good substitute for a model or object.  

                    Graphs may be line, pie, bar, and flow charts.  

                    Charts help to summarize large blocks of information, but try not to employ
                        too much information.  

                    Video can be effective, but don't let it dominate the presentation.  

               Multimedia Presentations can be used in a variety of ways, including a
                        computerized slide show -- like Power Point -- that incorporates both
                        animation and photos.  Click on the following link for an example of Power Point:

              The Speaker can sometimes use his/her own body as a visual aid.  

              Slides (or filmed images projected on a screen):

                        Are good for large audiences
                        Require darkened room and limit eye contact between speaker and audience
                        Are relatively expensive

              Document Cameras are very good for showing photos, small objects, drawings, etc.  

              Handouts (sheets of paper handed out to members of audience):

                        Are okay for small, informal group but can be distracting because audience tends
                        to read handout instead of listening to speaker.  I recommend against using these in
                        public speaking class.

              Chalkboards and white boards (which allow visual aids to be created on the spot):

                        Provide flexibility and are good for collaborative presentations
                        Are too informal and primitive for many situations

              Flip charts (which are large sheets of paper attached at the top and propped on an easel):

                        Simple visual aids are drawn in advance so speaker flips pages during speech
                        Are good for small groups and relatively informal occasions

              Overhead Transparencies (which may be produced with transparencies or opaque projections):

                        Can be used for relatively large audiences
                        Can be formal or informal
                        Are relatively easy and inexpensive to produce