Presentation Aids
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understand how charts can be used to present information.
Explain the importance of using graphs while speaking.
Describe four common types of representations.
Differentiate between objects and models.
Identify why speakers may use people as presentation aids.
Presentation aids
Are the resources beyond the
speech words and delivery that
a speaker uses to enhance the
message conveyed to the
audience.
One principle to keep in mind
is to use only as many
presentation aids as necessary
to present your message or to
fulfill your classroom
assignment.
Types of Presentation
Aids
Charts
A chart is commonly defined as a graphical
representation of data (often numerical) or a
sketch representing an ordered process.
Whether you create your charts or do research to
find charts that already exist, it is important for
them to exactly match the specific purpose in your
speech.
Statistical Charts
Birth Weight Chi-Square
examining the effects of maternal smoking on a
range of congenital birth defects.
Sequence-of-Steps Charts
Steps in Cell Reproduction
Depict the process of cell
division called mitosis using a
sequence-of-steps chart, but
they each deliver different
information.
Decision Trees
To Play or Not to Play
Shows how a decision tree
could be used to determine
the appropriate weather for
playing baseball.
Graphs
Strictly
speaking, a graph may be considered a
type of chart, but graphs are so widely used
that we will discuss them separately.
A graph is a pictorial representation of the
relationships of quantitative data using dots,
lines, bars, pie slices, and the like. Graphs show
the variation in one variable in comparison with
that of one or more other variables.
Line Graph
Enron’s Stock Price
We see a line graph
depicting the fall of
Enron’s stock price from
August 2000 to January
2002.
Bar Graph
Natural Death vs. Homicide
A complicated bar graph depicting the disparity
between the haves and the have nots.
Pie Graph
Causes of Concussions in Children
Pie graph classifies the causes of concussions
towards children
Representations
In
the world of presentation aids,
representations is the word used to classify a
group of aids designed to represent real
processes or objects.
Often,speakers want to visually demonstrate
something that they cannot physically bring
with them to the speech.
Diagrams
The Human Eye
It entails basic parts of the eye
Maps
African Map with Nigerian
Emphasis
showing clearly the
geographic location of
Nigeria.
Photographs and Drawings
Ship’s Rigging
Sometimes a photograph
or a drawing is the best
way to show an
unfamiliar but important
detail.
Video or Audio Recordings
Another very useful type of presentation
aid is a video or audio recording. Whether
it is a short video from a website such as
YouTube or Vimeo, a segment from a
song, or a piece of a podcast, a well-
chosen video or audio recording may be
a good choice to enhance your speech.
Objects or Models
Objects refer to anything you could
hold up and talk about during your
speech.
Models, on the other hand, are re-
creations of physical objects that you
cannot have readily available with you
during a speech.
People and Animals
The next category of
presentation aids are people and
animals. We can often use
ourselves or other people to
adequately demonstrate an idea
during our speeches.
Speaker as Presentation Aid
Speakers can often use their own
bodies to demonstrate facets of a
speech. If your speech is about
ballroom dancing or ballet, you might
use your body to demonstrate the
basic moves in the cha-cha or the five
basic ballet positions.
Other People as Presentation Aids
In many speeches, it can be
cumbersome and distracting for the
speaker to use her or his own body to
illustrate a point. In such cases, the
best solution is to ask someone else to
serve as your presentation aid.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Various types of charts can aid audience understanding of a speaker’s message. Statistical charts help
audiences see and interpret numerical information. Sequence-of-steps charts show how a process occurs.
Decision trees help audience members see how a specific decision can be made in a logical fashion.
Line graphs, bar graphs, and pie graphs are commonly used by speakers to help present numerical
information. The information presented on a graph should be clean and easily understandable from a
distance.
Representations are presentation aids designed to represent a real process or object. Commonly used
representations in public speaking include diagrams, maps, photographs, and video or audio recordings.
Objects are physical items that can be held up and used during a speech. Models, on the other hand, refer
to tangible items that can be held during a speech, but are not the actual object but rather a facsimile of it.
Speakers often will use their own bodies or the bodies of other people to help them illustrate a part of a
speech. When using another person, it is very important to coach that person prior to the speech to ensure
that he or she will not upstage the speaker. Using animals as presentation aids is generally not
recommended.
STEPS IN
CREATING
EFFECTIVE
POWER POINT
PRESENTATIO
N
[Link]: Look at the Big Picture
Plan: Plan your talk first (see Academic Skills Oral
Presentations) and then plan your PowerPoint to accompany
your argument and evidence.
Audience: Who is in your audience and what do they know
about the material? What do you want them to learn?
Consider your overall argument and evidence that you want
to present.
Purpose: Define the goals, topic and appropriate depth and
scope of information.
Presentation Length: Know the time available for your
presentation. Be realistic about how much material you can
cover as it is important that you keep within your time limit.
Follow the general rule of thumb: You need about one slide
per minute.
[Link] Slides
• You are now ready to create individual slides. If
you have never used PowerPoint before, you
can find hundreds of good tutorials online. Find
one that works for you.
• The classic PowerPoint error is to write
sentences on a slide and read them. Rather
than treating your slides as a script for your
presentation, let the content on your slides
support your message. Remember: LESS IS
MORE.
[Link] It Simple and Clear
Text
Where possible, include a heading for each slide
Use bulleted points and avoid long sentences (it is often
suggested that you include no more than 6 lines per slide
or 6 words per line)
Font size: 30 - 48 point for titles, 24 - 28 for text
Avoid all capital letters
Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar
Figures and Images
Ensure images are clear and
relevant
Label all figures and tables
Put units beside numbers on
graphs and charts
[Link] Design Principles
• Embrace empty space
• Use vertical and horizontal guide markers to
consistently align elements
• Avoid too many colors, clutter or fancy visual effects
• Use high contrast to ensure visibility: e.g. Black text on
white background or black on light blue
• Maintain consistency of the same elements on a slide
(colors, fonts, styles, placement etc.), as well as,
between slides in the slide deck
• Use animation sparingly, if at all. If you use transitions,
use the same kind each time
• Edit entire slide deck to ensure organization is logical
and design is consistent
[Link] Presentation
Even with the best of PowerPoints, good
presentations require practice and
refinement Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Listen for awkward or unclear wording
and make edits as needed. Keep an eye
on time limits. Practice presenting alone,
but also for friends.
[Link] a Back-Up Plan
Remember that PowerPoint may look
great, but technical failures do happen.
Mentally prepare for any eventuality. Make
sure to save the presentation several
ways: save on a USB stick and email it to
yourself.
Print out the slides to have a paper
version in case of equipment failure and
practice giving your presentation without
your slides.
