Using Visuals-

        Research has shown that an audience remembers about 20% of what they hear and about 80% of what they see.  That’s why you should use visual aids. Visual impressions linger longer than words.

        Having carried out recall exercises in many Asian and Pacific countries  I have found very similar results.  

        If you use visual aids well you are more likely to have your message remembered.

A Handful of Tips on ways to improve your next presentation

* Check the venue before you start          

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.

* Simple messages are best 

        Show the best visuals – leave out the rest.

        Each presentation should have a single message, compatible with your message.

        Make it bold with no distractions.

        Don’t use complicated charts that are hard to read.

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

        A good visual can do a lot of talking for you, especially if you are setting a scene. For example, if you are showing a damaged environment.

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

*  All must be able to see

        Many presentations are ruined by people not being able to see the visuals or to read slides clearly.    

        Check the seating arrangements and the size, height and location of the screen.

        When preparing visual aids for projecting, 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.

        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 message bold with no distractions.

        Avoid using fancy, distracting visuals with messages flying in and out.

        Keep your message simple to reinforce your spoken message.

        Allow sufficient time for the audience to study each visual.

*  Talk to your audience, not to the screen

        Try not to lose eye contact with your audience.

         Never forget that you are the main visual aid.         

Dress well. Dress for the situation. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.

        Shaking laser pointers tend to distract. If you must use a pointer, use a cane, then turn back and talk to your audience.

*  Have a ‘dry run’

        This allows you to recheck the equipment for compatibility and to check your slides for clear viewing. 

        There is nothing worse than setting up during your talking time and finding you have an equipment failure.  

        Always prepare a ‘B’ backup plan, just in case you have a problem – it often happens. A bulb could blow, or you could have a power problem  – you never know.

        Distribute handouts when you have finished your presentation, but tell your audience first what you plan to do.

                Never forget, showing is more effective than telling if you are planning to have your message remembered. 

–Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Ten thousand words are not worth one seeing.”

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 in 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.

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