Competent Communication #8 - Get Comfortable with Visual Aids

(See sample speech here)



Introduction

Projects 2 and 7 mentioned visual aids as one type of support material for a speech. Because people remember best what they simultaneously see and hear, visual aids are powerful tools for a speaker.


Executive Summary

Visual aids help an audience understand and remember what they hear; they are a valuable tool for speakers. The most popular visual aids are computer-based visuals, overhead transparencies, flip charts, white-boards and props. The type of visual aid you choose depends on several factors, including the information you wish to display and the size of the audience. Visuals must be appropriate for your message and the audience, and be displayed correctly with ease and confidence.


Objectives

  • Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.

  • Use visual ads correctly with ease and confidence.

Time: Five to seven minutes





Your Assignment

This project focuses on visual aids. You are to:

  • Select a speech subject that allows you to use two or more visual aids.

  • Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience.

  • Display the visual aids correctly with ease and confidence.

Be sure to incorporate what you learned in previous projects about purpose, organization, word usage, body language, vocal variety and research and use appropriate suggestions from the evaluations you received. Review the Speaker’s Checklist in Project 1 as you prepare your speech. You may want to read the book The Toastmasters International Guide to Powerful Audio/Visual Presentations (Catalog No. B97) for more information on using visual aids. This information is provided as a service to members.

For full details on this speech project, refer to the Competent Communication manual. All materials in the Toastmasters Educational Program are copyright Toastmasters International. All rights reserved.


The Competent Communication Manual

You may be more comfortable communicating by electronic mail or telephone than in person. Speaking to large or small groups, or even one-to-one, may intimidate or frighten you. Yet good communication skills are vital if you want to be successful. Corporate leaders say that the ability to communicate well orally is one of the most important skills their recruiters look for in job candidates. Businesses want people who express themselves clearly and confidently, and are persuasive and comfortable communicating with a wide range of people, from top executives to assembly-line workers.

(See sample speech here)