Page 26 - 2_studijní opora - modul 8ANG

a limited number of words because people read faster than they hear and will
be impatient for you to get to the next point. So limit the amount of text on one
visual to the rule of six: six lines, six words on each line. You are supposed to speak.
Visuals give you the facts, you´ll express them in words. Carefully prepared visuals
also show you the way through the presentation, so you won´t need any cards
with clues.

As said before, you should create a link between yourself, the audience and the
visuals. It means if you are e.g. describing a picture, after a general statement
what can be seen in the figure you´ll talk and point at the part you are talking
about. You can use a classical pointer (wooden or metal) or more probably a
laser pointer. In the latter case, be careful not to wave it in the air. This would
draw inappropriate attention, the audience would concentrate on the
movement of the red dot on the screen, not on you. Use the pointer only for what
it is intended and then put it down or switch it off.

Now we´ll specify features of good visuals As a rule, they should be visible, simple
and clear. In more detail:

Visible – Even the most distant viewer in the room must be able to see them. Each
screen must include graphics or text large enough to be recognizable or
readable. Use fonts and figures of an appropriate size, which will require only a
minimum number of words per line and number of lines on the visual (as said
before - 6 x 6). Use colours on your slides, but avoid those that do not show up
very well when projected. An important factor of visibility is the contrast between
the text and background. For instance, white or yellow on blue is pleasant to look
at and easy to read.

Room lighting should be also considered. Too much light near the screen will
make it difficult to see. On the other hand, the other extreme - a completely
darkened room can make the audience fall asleep and what´s very important,
you can´t see the reactions of the audience. It means you don´t have the
feedback and the triad mentioned earlier (speaker – audience – visuals) is not
complete.

Simple – Don´t try to include too much on one visual. Unlike you, who know the
visuals very well, the audience can only see the screen for a short time and in
that time they can absorb only a limited amount of information. Follow the rule:
one visual = one idea (of course, plus supportive details); avoid too much primary
information. If you include too much, you risk making the visual unreadable or
distracting the audience’s attention. They spend time reading the slide rather
than listening to you.
Clear – Visuals must be immediately recognizable in the context of your verbal
message. To distinguish more and less important points, use colours and different

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From the beginner to the mentor (Supporting strategies of education of teachers in Zlin region)
Fund of Educational Policy project, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports