How can motivational speakers use visual aids more effectively?

Usando siempre presentaciones muy visuales. De hecho, la mayoría de la slides de mi presentación son extremadamente minimalistas al estilo Steve Jobs, es decir, una simple imagen sin texto.

Vision trumps all other senses. Visual aids are not always slide shows either. Even your body can be a visual aide. Props, writing and drawing on flip charts , demonstrations, videos and getting your audience to actively do something is also visual. This all helps with learning and memory.

Using high-quality candid photography is engaging, mainly when it follows a personal story or lesson. However, it is essential to have a visual theme or style related to the content and not use random photos.

If used correctly, visual aids can dramatically increase the impact of your speeches. A good rule of thumb is to use a single picture (photo, sketch, etc.) for every important idea, message or point you are trying to make. By doing so, you are connecting with your audience on two different levels: Through your words (auditive) and through the picture on your slides (visual). And as most presenters still are using slides that are overloaded with diagrams, charts and graphs (while using font size 8), you will stand out immediately.

Tailor your presentation based on your audience. I've delivered speeches using only images, incorporating gifs, and at times, featuring short video clips. Audiences tend to lose interest in presentations overloaded with text and dull slides – the infamous "death by PowerPoint." Instead, aim for interactive slides. Integrate short surveys and opinion polls during the session to transform it into a dialogue. The key is to foster engagement, making your presentation more dynamic and memorable for your audience.

I follow a rule of: - no more than 3 major learnings per presentation - no more than 3 points on a slide - no more than three elements on each slide. And for the love of all that's useful in this world, stop cluttering your slides with your logos and website addresses and hashtags. It's not difficult.

Love the rule of three described by Dante St James. When I was an IT teacher years ago it was an uphill battle to get the message over that Simple is Best. Anything complex can go on a handout. PowerPoint actually has a great info / instructional piece which is part of MS. Look under templates.

While monitoring your audience's reactions be at tune with them. Your audience is your biggest judge, you are there for THEM. So whenever you see more and more ques in different sections (you should monitor your audience in sections), either use your body as a visual tool, your voice or your mind. When they are tired - unexpected, fun and big movements can exite and wake your audience up. Making them more interested in what you are speaking and making you more connected. When they are losing interest and looking in their phones - make a pause, a longer one, causing them to check on you - then ask a question that they really can connect with. When your audience is restless, slow down, get closer and have them participate with you.

Don't place the entirety of your speaking reliance on your presentation alone. Avoid the pitfall of doing a voiceover on your slides; it's considered poor presentation etiquette. Instead, consider your slides as complementary tools designed to accentuate and reinforce your spoken words. Your primary focus should be on the key points you intend to deliver, using the slides as visual aids to enhance understanding and retention. A successful presentation seamlessly weaves together spoken content and visual elements, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for your audience.

Audiences are there to hear you. Do not allow your visual aids to distract from your presentation. That is a very common pitfall. They should complement and augment your presentation.