The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write It * How to Deliver It

Use visuals effectively

Nevertheless, I've already conceded that for some audiences, on some occasions, and with some material, visuals may be useful or even necessary. Sales presentations, technical discussions, reports, presentations in which perfect understanding is required, and when a high degree of retention is desirable—these and others can benefit greatly from the proper use of visuals. I stress the word proper because there are right ways and wrong ways to use visuals. Here are some suggestions:

• At the risk of being repetitious, my first suggestion is that you reject the idea of using visuals unless your material simply cannot be presented effectively without them. Don't use visuals as a crutch or as an excuse for not preparing a solid, ...