Effective

Use of
Visual
Aids
 Session
objectives

At the end of the session,

you are able to:
Explain the guidelines
for the use of Visual
Aids.
List useful tips for
preparing Visual Aids.
 Introduction
- How people gather information -
Introduction 86%
Handouts

Flip chart

Multimedia projector

White/Blackboard

Pinboard

Video

7%
4% 2% 1%

Sight Hearing Smell Touch Taste

*Source: Mansel Dinnis Communications

 Handouts
Strengths
Introduction

Handouts
can be reviewed; can be used
Flip chart
immediately & for presentation;
Multimedia projector
easily retrieved; its tangible; can
White/Blackboard
be copied
Pinboard Weaknesses
Video
pax may not listen if given
beforehand; pax may not read the
hand-out; pax prefer e-copy;
When to use :
for lectures/workshops
(guides/mechanics)
 Handouts
Dos -
Introduction
hand-outs should be consistent
Handouts
with the lecture;
Flip chart

Multimedia projector right font size and lay-out (correct

White/Blackboard number of slides per page for ppt)
Pinboard with pagination;
Video
key points should be highlighted;
photocopied hand-outs should be
readable

Donts - dont give before the

lecture; dont overwhelm the
audience with hand-outs.
 Flip chart
Strengths
Introduction Can be pre-prepared
Handouts
Easy to refer back
Flip chart

Multimedia projector Can be re-used

White/Blackboard
Weaknesses
Pinboard

Video Small - difficult to see

When to use
To write objectives
To refer back
To keep and see over and over again
 Flip chart
Dos
Introduction
Big letters
Handouts
Key points only
Flip chart
Max 10 lines
Multimedia projector
Permanent markers, use colours
White/Blackboard
Paste on walls
Pinboard
Pre-prepare, pre-sketch, details in small
Video
letters

Donts
Over crowd / clutter
Keep marker open
Use unnecessary lines, balls, arrows, etc.
 Multimedia projector (LCD)
Strengths
Introduction
High attention
Handouts

Flip chart High-tech, charts, pictures, photos, etc

Multimedia projector
Animation
White/Blackboard

Pinboard Weaknesses
Video Expensive
Needs high skill
Needs power
When to use
 Multimedia projector (LCD)
Dos
Introduction
Test before using
Handouts
Keep emergency back-up
Flip chart
Number of slides (10 12 per one
Multimedia projector
hour presentation)
White/Blackboard
Key points, font type, bigger font size
Pinboard

Video

Donts
Use too much colours, pictures etc
Over animation, over slide transitions
Over crowd
Use abbreviations
Use for long durations (black screen)
 White / Blackboard
Strengths
Introduction
Cheaper than other tools
Handouts

Flip chart Available

Multimedia projector
Easy to use
White/Blackboard

Pinboard Weaknesses
Video Can not be kept to refer back
When to use
For discussions, brainstorming
Visualize bigger picture / over view
 White / Blackboard

Introduction
Dos
Handouts
Big letters, clear and neat
Flip chart
Plan what to write
Multimedia projector
Close after use
White/Blackboard
Erase after use
Pinboard
Stand on the side
Video
Keep board in central or corner position

Donts
Talk to board
Cover the board
Use abbreviations / parts of words
 Pinboard
Strengths
Introduction
Participatory
Handouts

Flip chart Can be used as a planning tool

Multimedia projector
Weaknesses
White/Blackboard

Pinboard
If not structured it can
Video
confuse more
Can get messy
When to use
Brainstorming
Discussion
 Pinboard
Dos
Introduction
Clear and neat
Handouts
Short & simple key points
Flip chart
Use of colour Zopp/flash cards
Multimedia projector
Big letters / maximum 3 lines
White/Blackboard
Pre-prepared cards
Pinboard
Numbering of cards
Video

Donts
Mess up cards
 Video
Strengths
Introduction Visualize real life situation
Handouts
High attention
Flip chart

Multimedia projector Both Video and Audio

White/Blackboard
Weaknesses
Pinboard

Video Difficult and costly to produce

When to use
To train process steps or procedures
 Video
Dos
Introduction
Give a brief introduction
Handouts
before starting
Flip chart
Analyze and draw the
Multimedia projector
learning points after the
White/Blackboard
show
Pinboard

Video

Donts
Disturb the viewers during
the show
Thank you