Audiovisual aids
It is possible to give an excellent presentation without using audiovisual aids or other props, but effective use of such resources can enhance greatly enhance the quality of your talk. Research has determined that people's attention is generally divided as follows:
- over 50% of attention is devoted to the things we see
- just under 40% of attention is devoted to the sounds we hear (voice, intonation, etc.)
- less than 10% of attention is devoted to what is actually said.
You can turn this knowledge to your advantage by ensuring effective use of audiovisual aids. For example, a graphic representation of statistical information will usually be more accessible than a spoken summary.
Availability of equipment
If you intend to use certain AV equipment during your presentation, you must plan ahead. First, you must ensure that the equipment is actually available when you need it. Next, you must find an appropriate location in the presentation room, and then you must check that it actually works! A laptop and beamer can be reserved by contacting the Helpdesk (Room S4.09a, e-mail: helpdesk@few.vu.nl).
Tip:
- Everything should be in place and working properly before you begin your presentation. This means that you must be at the location some time before the scheduled start. This is particularly true if you intend to use a computer: you will probably need at least thirty minutes to 'kick start' it and resolve any bugs!
Props
Real objects, or 'props', can also do much to liven up your presentation. If, for example, you are quoting from a newspaper, the impact will be far greater if you actually have the newspaper with you and can show the audience the headline before you read the article aloud. Sometimes, props help your audience to form a better impression of whatever it is you are talking about. For example, you might say, "... and the decoder is no larger than a matchbox." You can then drive this point home by holding up a matchbox. In the case of larger objects, you may consider bringing along a scale model.Whiteboards and flip-overs
A (white)board is extremely handy if you wish to present an immediate visualization. The act of writing or drawing 'on the fly' can add tempo and excitement to the presentation. Good use of the board will prompt your audience to think. However, there are also disadvantages. Writing during the presentation will reduce the time actually available for speaking. You will usually have to turn your back to the audience. Moreover, not everyone has legible handwriting. The flip-over chart has the same pros and cons, although it does offer the extra advantage that you can 'flip' backwards and forwards between the sheets (hence the name).
Tip:
- If you intend to write on a board or flip-over during your presentation, practise doing so beforehand. Pay attention to technique: how large must your writing be to ensure that the people at the back of the room can read it? Is your handwriting legible? Take note of how long it takes to write a line of text.
Overhead projector
If you intend to use an overhead projector, you must prepare all the 'sheets' (transparencies) beforehand. There are a number of points to take into consideration.
Tips:
- Ensure that the print on the sheets is big enough. If you use a word-processor to make them, the font size should be at least 24 points.
- Do not present too much information on one sheet. A general rule of thumb is: no more than six lines, and no more than six words per line.
- Use the overhead projector for illustrations: graphs, drawings, flowcharts, photos, etc.
Make use of the special feature of transparencies: they can be placed one on top of the other to build up a complete picture from its component parts. The use of colour can also be very effective. - Ensure that the overhead projector and the screen are well positioned so that everyone in the room can read the text. Do not forget to focus the projector!
- Use a pen to point to certain items on the projector itself (not on the screen).
- Do not use overhead sheets as a 'crib sheet' for yourself.
Computer presentation programmes
Computer presentation software such as PowerPoint can be used not only to show still pictures, but also animations and video clips, with or without audio (sound).
Careful use of such programs can give your presentation an extra dimension, but they must always be used as an aid. They support your presentation; they do not dictate its form.
Tips:
- When using computer resources, do not lose sight of the actual purpose of your presentation. First decide what you want to say, then decide how a computer program can help you to say it.
- You should not use this type of aid unless you are well versed in the techniques required, and your visual material is of the highest technical quality.
Handouts
A 'handout' is simply a piece of paper which you hand out to the audience before, during or after your presentation. It may include a summary of the presentation, or one or more illustrations (such as graphs). Many speakers make copies of the overhead sheets they use, and issue these to the audience after the presentation as an aide memoire.
Tip:
- Do not pre-empt your presentation by handing out too much information beforehand. There is also a risk that your audience will spend their time reading rather than listening.
