Types of Audiences
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Professional Peers
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Nonexpert professionals
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International audiences
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General audiences
Presenting information
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Use purpose statements
Establish organization
Preview information
Use transitions
Include summaries
Signal important points
Draw a conclusion
Types of visuals
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Chalkboards or white boards
Flip charts
Prepared posters or slides
Presentation software slides
Transparencies
Physical models
Demonstrations
Video tapes and films
Using Color
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Match use of color to physical environment
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In dark spaces, use light, bright drawings and text
against dark background
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In light spaces, use darker drawings and text against
light background
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Use it to emphasize important points
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Use it to establish a pattern or show progression
Visual Problems
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Too many bullets
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Complex data displays
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Inappropriate font
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Distracting background color
or texture
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Too small a font
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Low figure/ground contrast
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Poor resolution
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Inappropriate color palate for
room lighting
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Unnecessary or
inappropriate animation
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Distracting transtions
between slides
Comprehension problems
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Too much info on a slide
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Disconnect between visual and verbal
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Bad clip art
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Too many levels of heirarchy
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Inadequate labeling
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Information-rich slides displayed too briefly
Handouts
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Provide close-up view of essential information
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Provide copies of primary visuals
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Explain complex terminology
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Summarize key points
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Provide reading lists
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Become reference material
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Offer audience place to take notes
Physical elements
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Wear appropriate clothing
Handle notes comfortably
Make eye contact
Handle mistakes smoothly
Relax your hands
Relax your feet
Move naturally
Use podium (if present) comfortably