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Visual Aids for Effective Communication

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Chapter Topics

• Graphs• Charts• Drawings and photographs• Presentation technology (PowerPoint)• Video• Objects• Five rules for SMART visual aids• Keep in mind…

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Graphs

• Line graph

• Pie graph

• Bar graph

• Advantages: Complicated figures become visual images

• Potential Challenges: Make sure it’s easy to understand; Make sure segments aren’t too large (pie)

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Charts

• Advantages – Can fit a lot of data on charts

• Potential Challenges – Not as visually stimulating; may include too much information

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Drawings and Photographs

• Advantages – Useful in conveying something you’re describing; useful when a model or object isn’t available

• Potential Challenges – Must be large enough for whole audience to see; Any text must also be legible for everyone to see

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Presentation Technology (PowerPoint)

• Advantages – Can integrate a variety of visual aids into one presentation

• Potential Challenges – Speakers could rely on it too heavily

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Video

• Advantages – Video can really make a point

• Potential Challenges – If too long, poorly edited, or set up improperly, it will take away from the speech itself

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Objects

• Advantages – Can make a powerful impression

• Potential Challenges – May be difficult to use

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Five Rules for SMART Visual Aids

• Simple

• Memorable

• Add Information

• Readable

• Technology Independent

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Keep in Mind…

• Have a clear message

• Be selective

• Use variety

• Explain and display

• Don’t talk to your visual aid