ROLE OF AUDIO VISUAL AIDS IN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION

AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS IN PRESENTATION

Audio visual presentation includes both sound and visual
components. For an efficient oral presentation audio-
visual aids supplement the message making the speech
vivid, interesting and stimulating. An effective speaker by
judicious use of this equipment attracts the attention of
the audience. This equipment enhances the value of the
oral presentation to a great extent. However, too many
aids cripple the speaker's impact. An efficient speaker
first finds out the possibility of using audio-visual aids,
then makes arrangements for the same Supplementing
the presentation with suitable audio-visual aids would
facilitate the speaker to have a great rapport with the
audience and also generate a greater interest.

There are many audio-visual aids like: electronic boards,

flip charts, felt boards, overhead projectors, slide
projectors, movie films projectors, video CDs, video tape
recorders, audio tape recorders, audio CDs, CD ROMS,
display of cutouts and models, etc. There are also some
graphic aids like charts, diagrams, maps etc., which could
be used as visual aids.

Audio-visual aids are used to help clear vagueness or to

remove complications and difficulties in understanding.
They also have their use as ornaments to the speech.
However, the speaker has to decide which equipment will
serve the said purpose better. The audio-visual aids
should nowhere reveal the verbal weakness of the
speaker. The audio-visual aids are further supplemented
by verbal renderings. They are also used to draw the
attention of the audience to the key items and the
specific units of the speech. They sustain the interest of
the audience.

However, for audio aids the acoustics of the room and for
visual aids a proper lighting is primary requirements.

When Visual aids are presented to the audience, the

efficient speaker takes care of following points:

1. The visibility of the visual aids and audibility of the

aural aids to the audience are taken care of.
2. If the audio-visual aids require some explanation that
is also provided.
3. Audio-visual aids must fit in the discourse properly as
the part of the presentation.
4. Audio-visual aids are supplemented by verbal means
and body language as required.
5. The efficient speaker does not talk to the visual aids
but to the audience.
6. The speaker should not act as a barrier to proper
viewing of the visual aids.
 POWER OF VISUAL AID IN ORAL COMMUNICATION
❑Enhancing the Presentation
Visual aids help to add an extra element of interest to the
presentation

❑Memorizing
Visual images always make a long-lasting impact on our
minds. Moreover, it is Common human tendency to get
attracted towards colorful imagery and pictures.

❑Avoiding Distractions
The use of aids concentrates the attention of the listeners
on one particular object, which becomes a focal point.

❑Systematizing Communication
Visual resources enable the speaker to systematically
organize large chunks of information into smaller, more
interactive bits.

❑ Repetition of Information
Helps to repeat, with more clarity, thus enhancing the
chances of better understanding.

❑Better understanding
The audience will get a clear idea of what has been told
and get a thorough knowledge about the subject.
❑Concentration
Use of visual aids helps a person to concentrate on a
given object for a longer span of time, as they keep the
human mind engaged and entertained, at the same time.

Importance of Using Audio Visual Aids in

Effective Presentation
Visual and audio aids help your presentation make things
happen. Visual aids help you reach your objectives by
providing emphasis to whatever is being said. Clear
pictures multiply the audience's level of understanding of
the material presented, and they should be used to
reinforce your message, clarify points, and create
excitement.

Visual and audio aids involve your audience and require a

change from one activity to another from hearing to
seeing. When you use visual aids, their use tends to
encourage gestures and movement on your part. This
extra movement reinforces the control that you, the
speaker, need over the presentation. The use of visual
and audio aids, then, is mutually beneficial to the
audience and you.
Visual and audio aids add impact and interest to a
presentation. They enable you to appeal to more than
one sense at the same time, thereby increasing the
audience's understanding and retention level. With
pictures, the concepts or ideas you present are no longer
simply words - but words plus images.

Types of audio and visual aids:

1. Flip Charts
2. Overhead Transparencies
3. Posters
4. Blackboard or Whiteboard
5. PowerPoint Presentation
6. Videotape

Suitability of Various Audio-Visual Aids

1. Flip Charts: Flip charts are quick, inexpensive
visual aids for briefing small groups. The charts,
felt-tip markers and graphic materials are readily
available, and with a modest ability at lettering,
the presenters can compose the desired visual
aid in-house.
2. Posters: Posters are prepared graphic devices
that can be made of a variety of materials and
media - photographs, diagrams, graphs, word
messages, or a combination of these. Posters
work best in smaller audience sizes.
3. Overhead Transparencies: Overhead
transparencies are useful for audience settings
of 20 to 50 people and can be produced quickly,
easily, and inexpensively. Any camera-ready
artwork, whether word charts, illustrations, or
diagrams can be made into transparencies using
standard office paper copiers.
4. Videotape: Videotape electronically carries both
a picture and a sound track. Its features of
sound, movement, vivid image, color, and
variety hold an audience's attention the way film
does. Videotape can be used to program an
entire presentation, or to support a speaker's
remarks by highlighting certain topics.
5. Blackboard or Whiteboard: It is useful during a
presentation. It may not always be possible to
write on it in advance. When you read from the
board, do not stand between the audience and
the board. You must face your listeners even
while you are reading; they need to see your
face while you speak because good listening
involves the eyes of the listener, as much as his
ears and mind.
6. PowerPoint Presentation: The OHP as a tool for
making impressive presentations has been taken
over by the computer-based power point
presentation which is projected with the help of
a multimedia projector. Usually an enlarged
computer screen displays the well laid out
information to a large audience. Pictures,
 photographs data, graphs, etc. are all displayed
as part of the presentation with cinematic effect.
The entire presentation is fed into a CD or
computed directly in a laptop. The LCD (Liquid
crystal Display) projector is switched on.

The presenter operates the laptop by just

pressing a soft button or sliding the mouse to
move the presentation slides in the pre-set
order. The visual impact of power point
presentation is impressive and absorbing.

TIPS TO MAKE VISUAL AID IN ORAL

COMMUNICATION MORE EFFECTIVE
❑Don't use too many lines or figure in one aid.
❑should be visible to one and all from every corners
❑should not be very light that the audience find hard to
see
❑Be familiar with basic operations of the electronic
device.
❑Use the help of appropriate aid based on subject,
situation.