Here's how you can enhance your presentation with visual aids.

Your presentation SHOULD work without the visual aid. However with the aid, it SHOULD be better. If neither is true, then you’re using them incorrectly. Of course, maintain high production standards for your visual aids. Remember EVERYTHING is part of the communication.

Visual aids??? Helpful to the message or distracting from it? It depends. I think we all can agree that we are “PowerPointed to death” at times. Who hasn’t seen a presentation with dozens of slides and rows of 12-point type? Mind-numbing. So, let’s never do that again. Remember, when you are speaking you are ideally TELLING A STORY, even if you are conveying dense or technical material. Think about what you as an audience member are drawn to when someone is telling a story. It might be their words and storytelling. So, as a speaker, practice on telling a compelling story. It might be pictures. As a result, try to weave in pictures that tell your compelling story. Or it might be short video. Let these be your “words” to make your point!

To enhance your presentation with visual aids choose tools that directly support your message rather than distract from it. Select high-quality images, graphs, and videos that are relevant to your content, making sure that they are simple, clear, and easy to understand. Highlight key points using bullet points or crisp text rather than long paragraphs. Stay consistent with your design elements - use the same fonts, colors, and styles across. Avoid overcrowding slides with too much information and use data that is to the point. When rehearsing your presentation/speech, work with the visual aids to ensure smooth transitions and integration, making your presentation more engaging and memorable.

To enhance your presentation use main main image, keep it crisp, clean and uncluttered. Do not use many words. Maybe only one or two words to support your main idea. Let the image illustrate you speaking point while allowing the audience to use their imagination and fill what you are saying

If you must use a diagram, try and avoid cognitively overloading the viewers. Keep the most important information within Angled corners (eg a square or rectangle) and more transient information inside rounded corners. Arrows can be lighter in colour, like a light grey, as they only represent the movement between ideas not the idea itself. It might sound a little ephemeral, but these are some of the basic principles behind UI/UX that make sites "look professional"

Keep it simple rule applies here Too often I see people trying to to be overly creative and it only muddies up what you are trying to communicate Be strategic in what 3 or 4 colors you use and how you use them. Having continuity with colors and graphics helps people stay focused and learn better Clarity also help build brand design and recognition across all platforms

When it comes to designing your presentation, it wise to stay consistent with the color scheme, font size/font throughout to maintain a professionalism look. Although keep the slides simple to get the audience interested.

A well-designed visual aid can significantly impact your presentation’s clarity and appeal: ?? Simplicity: Avoid overcrowding slides with too much information. Use bullet points and keep the text concise. ?? Readable Fonts: Use clear, large fonts that are easy to read from a distance. ?? Color Contrast: Ensure there is a good contrast between text and background. For instance, dark text on a light background is easier to read. ?? Consistency: Maintain a consistent design throughout your presentation. Use the same color scheme, fonts, and style. For example, if you’re using a blue-and-white color scheme, stick to it for all your slides.

: Intentional Structuring and Clarity: Thought design involves organizing your ideas logically and coherently. This means breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable parts, and presenting them in a structured manner. Using frameworks, such as outlining main points, supporting details, and conclusions, helps ensure that your message is easy to follow and understand. Clear structuring not only aids in better communication but also in problem-solving and decision-making, as it allows you to systematically approach and dissect issues

Ideally, the visuals should align with and complement your storytelling narrative. The best ones are those where you as a presenter is part of the narrative. Alternatively, use visuals that transport the audience to the story you are telling. Either way, this should help engage them emotionally and captivate the audience into listening to the message you want to present.

Connecting with your audience emotionally can make your presentation more impactful: ?? Storytelling: Use visuals to tell a story. For example, start with an image of a problem, followed by a slide showing your solution. ?? Emotive Images: Use images that evoke emotions relevant to your message. For example, showing a happy family in a presentation about home loans can create a positive emotional response. ?? Personal Touch: Include personal anecdotes or case studies. Visual aids can help illustrate these stories more sharply. Engaging the audience’s emotions can make your message more memorable and persuasive.

Stories make an improved difference in the engagement that your presentation receives. It seems that human brains are just wired to retain new stories with more ease than say, new concepts. Telling a personal story can help a person who is struggling to adopt your point of view, at least get closer to understanding your viewpoint. On the other hand telling an irrelevant (or rambly) story or a story that doesn't quite line up with the theme of what your presentation is about can leave you looking... senile.

To engage emotionally, it is crucial to practice empathy and active listening. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which helps build trust and rapport. Active listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it requires paying full attention, acknowledging emotions, and responding thoughtfully. By demonstrating genuine interest and concern, you validate others' experiences and create a supportive environment where they feel heard and valued.

Integrate your visual aids smoothly into your presentation: ?? Rehearsal: Practice your presentation multiple times with the visual aids. Ensure you know when to switch slides or play videos. ?? Flow: Maintain a natural flow. Avoid awkward pauses or rushing through slides. ?? Technical Familiarity: Be comfortable with the technology you’re using. Know how to handle remote controls, pointers, or any presentation software. For example, if you’re using PowerPoint, practice using transitions and animations.

Practicing integrally is an interesting point. If you have many facts to lay out alongside your visual aids, you may have to read from a script for much of the presentation. However, the more you practice -alternating your practice with and without the script- the better the job you will do at honing the script if you are still editing it, and updating the visual aid at the right pace. It goes without saying but practice in front of a mirror or video recording yourself on your phone, and use your projecting voice. You want to know if you have any distracting movements and if your voice carries. You never know if the microphone will run out of battery or just not work on the day (If it's a microphone type event).

The timing of your images in a presentation is very important. Reinforce what needs to be reinforced. But sometimes leave the slide area blank force everyone to force their attention on you. Remember, the presentation is not the most important thing. That is what is up on the screen is not the most important thing. As a presenter, you are the most important thing. You are the brand You are the expert You have ability to say things in a way that no one else can to sway, and power, excite people, and much more. Never allow your PowerPoint, or presentation out shine you

The timing of your images in a presentation is very important. Reinforce what needs to be reinforced. But sometimes leave the slide area blank force everyone to force their attention on you. Remember, the presentation is not the most important thing. That is what is up on the screen is not the most important thing. As a presenter, you are the most important thing. You are the brand You are the expert You have ability to say things in a way that no one else can to sway, and power, excite people, and much more. Never allow your PowerPoint, or presentation out shine you

The timing of your visual aids can influence their effectiveness: ?? Introduction: Introduce visual aids at the right moment. For example, show a chart when discussing data, not before or after. ?? Pacing: Give the audience enough time to absorb the information on each slide. Don’t rush through or linger too long. ?? Transitions: Use smooth transitions to keep the presentation fluid. Avoid sudden changes that can distract the audience. For instance, use a fade transition when moving from one slide to the next to maintain a seamless flow.

Speech framework first - then slides. If you begin by putting slides together you run the risk of the slides being the hero (not an enhancement to your voice) and also the slides becoming notes that you read … ??