Chiz Web

First, know the differences:

Chart: shows the relationships between things (structures of organizations, flow of events, etc.)

Graph: presents large amounts of information (like numbers and statistics) through lines, shapes, or images (line, bar, picture, and circle/pie graphs are the most common)

Diagram: these also show relationships, but are more drawing than words (the workings of the ear, for example, or architectural designs)

Map: Geographic information, obviously

Poster: Usually printed information on a board; could include key points of speech, phrases, slogans, humorous sayings, etc.  These should be genuinely attention-grabbing or memory aids.  Be imaginative with lettering, paying attention to spacing, color, letter size and style.  Don't be so elaborate that letters are unreadable.

Use of Color:

• Try different colors for different lines on a line graph

• Try shades for degrees of feeling on survey results

• Be innovative but consistent.  Don't constantly shift color schemes because this is distracting.  If you use green to show criteria, for example, stick with green for criteria throughout the presentation. 

• Keep background colors fairly consistent as well

Print and Labels:

• Be certain that each visual is labeled or titled so the audience immediately knows what it is

• Produce letters on a computer (or a stencil at the very least!) for a professional look.  Uncomplicated fonts (like Arial or others with few to no serifs--the little lips and tags on ends of letters) are best choices

• Size depends on size of room.  If the audience cannot easily read the letters from the back, try projection methods instead or a display up front.  Alternatively, building a way for the audience to move through the room to see multiple smaller visuals can work well for long presentations.

• On graphs and charts, be sure that all ranges, axes, and variables are labeled or have a key for the audience to read them without assistance.

Composition:

• Space is important.  Never fill a visual with words.  Leave appropriate space around points, in margins, and between graphs, etc. so that nothing appears to be crowded.  This means planning ahead (to avoid that last word being crowded into the lower corner!)

• Design the visual on smaller paper ahead of time so you can plan spacing and appearance.

• Producing materials on a computer to carefully and neatly place on poster board (or better, presentation board) is fine.  Be aware of size of printed materials again.

• Presentation board is the best choice (available at office supply stores) because it stands easily when on an easel or blackboard lip. 

• Most MS Office programs will create a variety of graphs and charts easily.

Presentation:

• If securing with tape, place the tape neatly and carefully in the upper two corners and maybe the lower ones as well. 

• If using multiple boards (or a cover board), be sure to set them up so that you can easily remove them without knocking others down.

• Consider having markers to underline or mark key points with color during the presentation

• Consider using pointers (a laser or physical pointer)

• Texture can be interesting.  Consider covering an easel with a cloth or pinning a cloth over a board until you are ready to use it. 

• At the least, turn boards around (if backs are clean and blank) until you are ready to use them

Audio generally comes in the form of spoken word on tape or music on tape or CD. 

• Always test audio equipment ahead of time.  Do portable players have batteries?  Do electrical appliances have cords long enough to reach outlets?
• Speakers are the main issue.  Always choose a quality speaker for audio clarity, especially with spoken word recordings.
• Be prepared to play spoken word recordings more than once.  To make this easier, have a player with a tape counter and index the tape to the place you need it so that you can rewind quickly and easily to the right spot.
• Cue tapes ahead of time; that is, before the presentation, forward the tape to the point you want the audience to hear.  Sometimes audiotapes have long leaders and speaker and audience wait several seconds in anxious and awkward silence waiting!
• Test volume.  Volume should reach clearly to back of room; however, it should never overwhelm the audience.  The ideal volume is one that matches the speaker's volume.
• If music is played as the subject of the presentation (not for background or atmosphere), then follow guidelines above.
• For background music, have a partner work with you and practice cues.  Be careful in the selection of music and in its uses; too easily it can seem comedic or melodramatic instead of effective.   In no case should a speaker ever have to compete for volume with the music.
• Music clips as part of a computer presentation can be done, but too often the clips do not begin or end well--they just stop in the middle of a phrase.  This cheapens a presentation. 
• CD use for music follows the same guidelines in cueing and volume, etc.  However, if you are using a computer to play the CD, be sure the computer speakers have appropriate clarity and volume ahead of time, set the software up before the presentation, and have a partner practice your cues with you if the computer is not near you.