Seeing is Believing  

People are reluctant listeners and eager lookers. Visual impressions linger longer than the spoken word.  

          An audience remembers about 20% of what they hear and about 80% of what they see. That’s why you should use quality visual presentations if you want your messages to be remembered.            

A handful of tips to help get your messages remembered

* Check the venue            

          Check the blackout facilities.

          Check the equipment to make sure it is compatible with your machine.

          Make sure you have the right plugs and cords and power points.

          Many presentations have failed because last-minute checks were not carried out. 

          Many have failed because people have not been able to see the presentation clearly.

          Go to the back of the venue and check that all can see your visuals.    

* When preparing a visual presentation

          Pay special attention to the text – the amount, the size and the colour combinations. 

          Use primary bold contrasting colours so your message can be seen easily. 

          About 8% of men are colour blind so be aware of red/green problems.  Get professional design advice if required.

          Use combinations such as black or dark blue lettering on a white or yellow background.  Don’t use pastel colours.

          Don’t clutter your visuals. Keep your messages simple and bold with no distractions.

          Avoid using visuals with messages flying in and out.  

          Allow sufficient time for the audience to study each image.

* Keep your messages simple

          If you are using images, don’t use too many. Show only the best – leave out the rest.

          Each visual should have a single message. Make it bold with no distractions. Don’t use complicated charts that are hard to read.

          Explain the visual when you first project it and remove it as soon as you finish discussing it.

          A good projected photo can do a lot of talking for you, especially if you are setting a scene.

          Complex messages such as detailed graphs and large lists of figures should be given out as handouts and not projected.

* Have a ‘dry run’

          If possible, check the equipment for compatibility and check your images for clear viewing before your presentation. 

          There is nothing worse than setting up during your talking time and finding you have an equipment failure, such as a blown bulb.         

* Don’t lose eye contact    

           Talk to your audience, not to your screen.     

          A shaking laser pointer tends to distract attention.     

          Distribute your handouts when you have finished your presentation but tell your audience before you start you have handouts for them. 

          Give the chairperson and any media reporters copies before you start your presentation.

          Never forget you are the main visual aid so dress well,  smile and chat with your audience.

          Your messages are largely conveyed by your body language, your facial expressions and the tone of your voice.

–Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

” A good visual aid can save you much talking.”

Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.