PATHFINDER INSTRUCTOR’S AWARD

Visual Aids Philosophy of Using Visual Aids:

Visual aids need to emphasize the important points

Your message must be the focus, not the visual aids

Visual aids are to emphasize and make your major points memorable

Visual Aids Specific Uses of Visual Aids:

Clarify a point Emphasize a thought Add interest

Summarize large amounts of data Organize complex information

Wrap up a section Introduce a new idea

Visual Aids Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Visual Aids:

Distracts from the emphasis Takes too much time Poor quality Low interest Does not suit the audience

Visual Aids Some Common Visual Aids:

Handmade Flowcharts Flipcharts

Handmade or printed Graphs Posters

Electronics Overhead projector Slide projector

Computer PowerPoint, etc. Videos Podcasts

Visual Aids Some Common Visual Aids:

Handmade Flowcharts

Can be made quickly Can be individualized to the group needs Difficult to make look professional Can summarize information over time very

efficiently Flipcharts

Can be created as the audience talks Cheap and easy to buy supplies Very effective in recording brainstorming sessions

Visual Aids Some Common Visual Aids:

Handmade or printed Graphs

Computerized versions by many types of software Handmade can be created on many types of paper Can summarize a lot of information quickly

Posters Emphasize one point very well Other volunteers can create them Computerized versions are available and cheap Purchased versions can be visually compelling

Visual Aids Some Common Visual Aids:

Electronics Overhead projector

Transparencies can be handmade or purchased Bright Most places have one Dense drawings and pictures may be unclear

Slide projector Clear quality May not be available Requires slides already developed Requires darkness

Visual Aids Some Common Visual Aids:

Computer PowerPoint, etc.

Many people know how to use these programs Easily organizes written, pictoral, and video components Requires computer projector for larger audiences

Videos Easy to obtain May make the point memorably YouTube requires internet access May not be exactly on point

Podcasts May say it very well

Visual Aids Common Design Principles:

Use only a few colours Use the right colours to emphasize your message

Draw the eyes to the main point(s) Leave blank spaces

Make only one main point on each sheet Have a clear, short title

Have pictures draw the eye to the middle of the poster

Be sure the print is large enough to see from the back of the room

Visual Aids Final Suggestions:

Do not worry if visuals are not perfect

Maintain eye contact while using visuals

Be prepared to continue if some of the visuals do not work

Visual Aids Special Thanks

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