Visual Communication

1. Visual Communication 6.0 Visual Communication

2. Why we need visual communication? • In order to best represent any form of messages to enhance a good presentation and increase its effectiveness

3. Effectiveness of Visual Aids • Creating awareness • Encouraging interest • Retaining involvement • Achieving instant results • Describing an entire proposal through image presentation • Creating a memorable effect • Complementing the spoken word • Reinforcing corporate identity

4. Reminders • Use audio-visuals and visual aids only if it complements your presentation • Determine the suitability of chosen audio-visual • How? • Know the range of audio visuals, their advantages and disadvantages • How to design audio-visuals • Maximizing the usage of audio-visuals

5. What are A-V aids? • Items which use pictures/visual images in support of an oral presentation and could also include the insertion of audio aids to add impact or enhance the presentation

6. Criteria when using a-v aids • Language and images chose reflect nature of presentation • Use of appropriate images and music • Seating arrangements and layouts designed personally to ensure audience can hear/see • Sufficient technical back-up • Use sound effect carefully( do not upset audience) • Opt for simplicity and clarity • Make references to visuals • Don’t block visuals and use a-v in low attention periods • Rehearse • Don’t turn your back to operate a-v

7. Types of audio-visual aids • Flip charts • Tape recordings • Flip chart • Prepared flip chart • Overhead projector • Projector • Video • Whiteboard • Physical object

8. Prepared Flip Chart • Useful in internal presentations including interview presentations • Too small for large audience • Should be clearly written • Useful for cartoon like-illustrations • Use of non-smudge pens to maintain neatness

9. Flip Chart • Useful in seminar type presentations • Sufficient paper essential • Use of non-smudge, bright-colored working felt-tip pens • Refer to previous sheets

10. Whiteboard • Best equipment to teach • Information has to be constantly erased due to lack of space • Handwriting should be clear • Useful only in small training sessions

11. Overhead projectors • Transparencies should be prepared in advance • Can be hand-written( if writing is clear) or photo-copied • Should be in order • Ensure slides fit projector, right shape • Ensure projector functions well

12. Projector • Ensure device works well • Prepare slides in advance • Use of hand-held remote control

13. Physical Objects • Should be visible and relevant • Can attract audience attention • If using samples, ensures the items are sufficient

14. Tape recordings • Best for music rather than speech in classroom setting • Check audio adequate amplification • Participation essential a-v cannot stand alone

15. Video • Well-presented video is a presentation stand-alone • Should be short and relevant • Ensure equipment functions well • Same thing applies to use of films • Invite comments, participation essential

16. Why use a-v? • Illustrate point/concept being introduced • Reveal product/image rather than describe • Engage/retain audience interest • Add variety to presentation • Ensure purpose for presentation coincides with use of a-v

17. Use of words as visual • Summarize and highlight such words • Text should be clear, large and straight • Spelling should be accurate • Lower and upper cases should be used carefully • Clear margin around the edge of display and sufficient white space

19. Important Reminder “The use of a-v is nothing without the speaker” Physical surroundings in which presentation takes place can have dramatic effect in terms of lighting, décor and seating &layout