Library Study Smart
February 2021
Page 1 of 3
Types
and uses of visual aids
westernsydney.edu.au/studysmart
Types and uses of visual aids
Visual aids have many uses when giving a presentation. Visuals can help:
→
capture attention
→
increase interest
→
clarify an idea
→
reinforce
a concept
→
provide a reference point e.g. the spelling of an unfamiliar word, or a chart showing trends.
However, your visual aids can’t do all the work for you, and they shouldn’t distract from the main content of your
presentation.
Types of visual aids
→
presentation software e.g. PowerPoint
→
whiteboards
→
handouts
→
overhead transparencies (rarely used)
The pros and cons of individual types of visual aids
Presentation Software
There are a lot of programs and apps available to help you design visuals to accompany your talk. Here are just a few:
→
Microsoft PowerPoint
→
Prezi
→
emaze
→
Projeqt
→
Haiku Deck
→
PowToon
See also results from searching
powerpoint alternatives free
.
PowerPoint is probably the most common slideshow software in use. As a Western student, you
can download it as part
of Microsoft Office for free – see the ‘
Student Advantage
’. Other online presentation software is often free but might
require a login to save your presentations.
Library Study Smart
February 2021
Page 2 of 3
Types and uses of visual aids
westernsydney.edu.au/studysmart
The following table provides a list of points to consider when using PowerPoint.
Pros
Cons
→
PowerPoint allows you to create slideshows featuring
embedded multimedia e.g. pictures, videos, music.
→
There are a couple of different versions around so make
sure your version is compatible with the
computer you
will use to display your presentation.
→
A range of design options are available.
→
It’s easy to get caught up in using animations,
transitions, and fancy backgrounds – so remember to
keep it simple!
→
Can be hands-free if you use a wireless presenter or
presentation remote (you can also get an app for your
phone that can do this!).
→
Requires you to stay near the
computer to click to the
next slide unless you have a hands-free device.
→
Comes with Microsoft Office and is available on
university computers.
→
Somewhat limited when compared to specialist
presentation software such as
Prezi
.
Regardless of which software or online tool you
use to design your visual aids, you then need to connect a computer or
other device to a data projector to project the image onto a screen. Most classrooms at Western should have a data
projector, but check with your teacher to make sure one is available to you.
Also check whether a laptop is provided and if you can load your presentation from a USB stick, or if you will need to
bring your own computer or tablet to connect – and if so, make sure you have the right kind of connector.
While you’re presenting, take care not to block the projector with your body, and make sure you only include information
that is strictly necessary.
Whether you use PowerPoint or another tool, make sure you’re getting the best from it. See
10 tips on
how to make slides
that communicate your idea
.
Whiteboards and Blackboards
Yes, we’re talking old-school. It may be low-tech, but while not all classrooms or presentation rooms will have a data
projector, it’s rare that they won’t have a whiteboard.