I have difficulty using aids during a presentation (F7).


During presentations, the dosed and balanced usage of tools can tremendously increase the impact of your presentation. Tools can, however, also become a disturbing factor when not managed correctly.

You can consider using (next to PowerPoint slides):

Paper hand-outs
Paper hand-outs have the advantage that the audience can easier take notes during your presentation and go back if necessary to take additional notes.

The disadvantage is that the audience can see in advance what you are going to tell them, which lowers the ‘spontaneity’ of your presentation.

Furthermore, you might skip slides during the presentation which still appear on paper. A solution to both issues is to only print a few slides that present the main gist of the presentation. See Skill Sheet F7 for more possible solutions.

Flip chart, whiteboard/blackboard
The flip chart is only appropriate for smaller audiences. It can be used to build up information or to guide the audience through an argument.

The advantage of a flip chart over a whiteboard/blackboard is that you can write information down before the presentation

A whiteboard/blackboard is more appropriate for bigger audiences and in temporary support for an argument. You can draw a graph or write down an important point that you want to remain visible for a longer period of time.

Always respect these rules:

- Write large enough
- Fill the board or sheet systematically
- Do not speak while you are writing
- Think about what you want the audience to do while you are standing with your back towards the audience, writing or drawing something.

Video/DVD
Showing a video or DVD can be very useful, as long as it is closely linked to what you want to present. The less time the clip takes, the more impact it has. Do your presentation in such a way that you use some of the images from the video and ultimately show the video again. If you are successful, people will view the second showing of the video with ‘different eyes’. See Skill Sheet F7 for several possible drawbacks that you should manage!

 

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