Week 9: Discussion Question 3

Like we have studied this week, using visuals such as multimedia slides can boost the effectiveness of one's presentation and help the audience follow along with the speech. A few key things to keep in mind are to use simple slides with good organization and with emphasis on the main points only. Large lettering and good color schemes are necessary for the audience to be able to perceive the displayed information too. 

Besides tools such as PowerPoint and Keynote, there are many other types of supplemental visuals which can enhance one's speech. These include whiteboards, models, flip charts and handouts. These can be very effective when used appropriately. I can recall a time when I went to hear a speaker and he was using a flip chart. He would draw or write some key words on the large sheets and then flip it over and continue. I thought it was very effective because the audience couldn't see what he had previously written: it made the audience keep up with him on the next ideas he was putting on the flip chart. 

Using visual aids can help make the audience react in a more positive way, as well as possibly have the audience understand the presentation better.