Which visual aid is best when public speaking?

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ID-10052036Public speaking or presenting is a complex creature. So many sources of advice all offering different and often competing viewpoints, deciding what advice to take and what to ignore comes down to you. Deciding which visual aid to use is no different – it comes down to weighing up the pros and cons of each and deciding which is best for your style of public speaking.

Here are some ideas on how to decide which visual aid is best when public speaking:

PowerPoint

PowerPoint allows your presentation to become more visually exciting. PowerPoint, when used effectively, can allow you to easily summarise your arguments and show your points in a clear, logical and easy to follow way. The disadvantages of using PowerPoint include the tendency to allow PowerPoint to compensate for lack of clear message or focused presentation.

Video

A video incorporated into your presentation can allow for a huge impact. An appropriate video can explain or emphasis your point precisely. A video that shows a staggering figure or a thought-provoking image can really add something to your presentation. However, the same applies for using video as it does with PowerPoint – it cannot be used instead of a powerful and focused spoken presentation, it can only be used to compliment it.

Flipcharts

Flipcharts allow for spontaneity and flexibility. It allows you to engage with the audience and does not force you to stick to your rigid script like a PowerPoint would. Writing as you go along and taking suggestions and comments from your audience will make the whole public speech a more engaging experience. Some see flipcharts as obsolete and old-fashioned. But in the age of PowerPoint, what better way is there for your presentation to stand out from the rest?

 

Image courtesy of sixninepixels / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

 

author avatar
Peter Botting
London-based Peter Botting is a top globally-operating executive coach for CEOs and senior leaders. He has thirty plus years' experience in public speaking coaching and storytelling coaching in the UK, USA and EMEA, working with over 8,500 speakers, companies like IBM and Accenture, and almost 200 Members of Parliament.

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