Human beings see things differently. Some may gain wisdom or knowledge through verbal means, while others learn more successfully through visual means. However, when someone is communicating an idea or a project with others, their success rate will soar if they employ both the verbal and the visuals when leading meetings and making presentations.
Once one grasps the concepts of effective public speaking, and combines that with graphics that ‘paint a picture,’ he or she will become a better educator and leader, as well as a stronger and more viable communicator. Here are some considerations from your friends at Dale Carnegie Training of Central & Western PA that will help make it happen:
One of the keys to conducting any business meeting is to keep it short and keep it direct. This is true for visual props as well. Each written line should contain at most, six words. And there should never be more than six lines to any one visual aid. Should the visual combine the use of drawings or images, along with written text, at least sixty percent of the space on the page should remain blank. Larger font size is key as well, as it becomes frustrating for people to read when they can’t sufficiently or accurately see that which they are supposed to be looking.
This goes the same for the size of a projection screen as well. It is wise for the presenter to stand in the back row of seating before the presentation begins, just to make certain that everyone participating will have a clear view. Also avoid writing in all capital letters, which makes it very hard for people to read.
It is best to have someone look over the work before presenting it, as unbiased opinions come from those who are seeing the work with fresh eyes. As with all works in the visual word, aesthetic appeal is a must. There are many options in the graphic arts world, and experimenting with those to create various borders, shapes and lines will help provide many options in the creative process. It is a simple idea, but composition is important in the world of visual arts, and considering the layout of the work will make a huge difference in the way that one’s presentation is perceived, and in the effectiveness of the communication that will be imparted throughout the presentation.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Western and Central PA, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Pennsylvania. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @dalecarnegiepa.
Photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net/iosphere