In a speech about developing effective study habits, your classmate George has considered

using visual aids to enhance his audience?s retention of his information.

Thus far he has
selected (1 ) a chart summarizing basic steps of creating an appropriate study environment; (2 )
a video of a study group working on preparation for an exam and (3 ) a book. In a well
developed essay, identify the guidelines for using each type of visual aid he has selected.
What will be an ideal response?

Answers will vary. Possible answers include general guidelines for visual aids:
(1 ) select the right visual aid,
(2 ) make your visual aids easy to see,
(3 ) keep your visual aids simple,
(4 ) polish your visual aids,
(5 ) rehearse with your visual aids,
(6 ) maintain eye contact with your audience, not your visual aids,
(7 ) explain your visual aids,
(8 ) time your visual aids to coincide with your discussion of them,
(9 ) do not pass items through the audience,
(10 ) use handouts effectively,
(11 ) and use technology thoughtfully.
The goal is to get a more specific answer for the particular types of aids selected.
The steps could easily be outlined on a chart. The chart should be large enough to be
seen by the entire audience. It could be transferred to an overhead or inserted into a
Power Point slide. It should be simple and should be clearly typed or lettered.
The video might be useful to explain a concept or get the attention of the audience. It
should be shown on a screen that is large enough to be easily seen by the entire
audience and he should only use brief clips or excerpts. It should complement rather
than take over his presentation.
The book may not work. He may use it as a prop or hold it up to show if he is using it
as a reference. Passing it among the audience members will be distracting.