Presentation Basics

The Myths

First, let’s start by dispelling some commonly accepted myths about the use of visual aids. Here are five myths you’re likely to encounter:

• Myth 1: The more visual aids I use the better. Not so. The use of visual aids should support your presentation and not be your presentation. Beginners (and some experienced presenters, too) get into trouble by overdoing visual aids to the point that the message gets lost in the visual. In addition, the presenter can end up spending valuable time reading the visuals and not facilitating learning. Here’s a rule of thumb: The best presentations tend to have a mix of delivery methods that use both verbal and nonverbal techniques, as well as the appropriate visual aids to support the presenter’s message. ...