TIPS FOR VISUAL AIDS

LIMIT THEIR USE

Although they play an important role as teaching aids using too many visual aids can also become very overwhelming for the participants, an information overload.

KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY (KISS)

Less is more; this is definitely the case when teaching. There is an endless supply of media available to all and it can be difficult to separate what is really needed to help in the training process. Going overboard with extra sound clips and animations it can draw attention away from the important information. It’s a good idea to try keeping to one idea per page, with one image maybe six to seven lines per slide, when using projector.

MAKE IT EASY TO READ

Be sure your font size and image is easy to read and see from all angles in the classroom. Use a block style font and make use of a combination of upper and lower case letters.

USE COLOUR

Striking, eye catching, impressive; making use of colour not only captures the attention of your participants but makes it easier for them to retain information. With today’s technology colour is expected but be sure to combine the correct colours; using  a medium blue as background and white, yellow, pink as font colours. One thing to keep in mind is that some of your participants may be colour-blind so the more distinction you can create in your layout the easier it will be for them to see. If you are making use of lists ensure that one point comes up at a time and the images previously change to a different colour. This aids the participants to see what has led up to the information being dealt with and focussed their attention accordingly.

USE IT, THEN LOSE IT

Most people tend to get distracted easily so when making use of this great tool be sure to only use the screen when it is relevant to the information being discussed. In other words if the visual aid is still on display and another point is being covered their attention will wander back to the screen and lose focus.

So when the point has been covered push the “B” key on the computer to go to a blank screen. Easy as that!