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Working with Visuals
By Beverly Cohen, Communications Specialist

What's the most important visual in any presentation? If you said the speaker, you already recognize the importance of interacting intelligently with your props. There are several basic but easily mastered techniques that will add impact to your presentation whatever medium you use.

Visuals are worthless if they can't be seen

• Make sure that there are no obstacles between any member of the audience and the visual
• Stand to the side and use a pointer
• Check the light to be sure there is no glare

Visuals support or complement your speech

• Display only key words, not your entire speech
• Elaborate and add detail as you speak
• Paraphrase the information rather than reading it to the audience

Talk to your audience, not the visual

• Maintain eye contact
• Use a remote, a monitor, or a mirror on the lectern/podium
• Know your material so thoroughly that only a glance will remind you of the message

Using visuals skillfully can give you a significant edge over your competition. Whether you use a computer, transparencies, a slide projector, videos, flip charts, white board, or a combination of media, the way you interact with your visuals will determine the effectiveness of your presentation.