Page 354 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 12 Using Media in Your Speech 321

How Visuals Help You Communicate www.mhhe.com/brydon6

Visual aids can help you communicate your message in numerous ways. Among To view a video for an overview
of the role of presentational
the most important are (1) communicating the organization of the speech, media in public speaking,
(2) illustrating the spoken word, (3) simplifying the spoken word, and (4) com- click on the Speech Coach
plementing the spoken message. link on our Online Learning
Center Web site, and go to
Segment 12.1.
Communicating Organization

In our own experience we have found that our students appreciate a visual guide
to our lectures. As a result, we use PowerPoint slides that (1) preview the topic
and content of the lecture, (2) provide a brief outline students can follow as we
talk about the points we want to make, and (3) visually illustrate examples that
help us make our point and help our students better understand. We do not,
however, use PowerPoint as a substitute for our lectures.
When we fi rst talked about speech organization in Chapter 2, we introduced
you to the concept of transitions. Then we were talking about verbal statements
that let audience members know where the speaker is taking them, such as “Let’s
now turn to the second point I’d like to share.” Here we are talking about using
visual aids to achieve the same purpose.
People fi nd it easier to pay attention and remember when they are provided
with a road map that visualizes what they are hearing and seeing. A visual
road map also helps speakers stick to their organization, pace the tempo of
their speech, and free their hands from notes on
which they normally rely. Thus even something as
straightforward as a series of overhead transparen-
cies with main points can serve both speakers and
audiences. At the very least, they help the audience
follow the speech as it unfolds, and they help the
speaker stay on task.

Illustrating the Spoken Word

Nonverbal gestures are often used to illustrate what
we are trying to say. Visual aids serve a similar
function. When gestures cannot possibly convey
enough detail visuals come to the rescue. Would
you rather a friend draw you a map to an upcoming
event’s location or simply tell you how to get there?
The same applies to a speech; a clearly drawn map
is a much easier way of describing a location than
mere words.
Different types of visuals can be effective illus-
trations of the spoken message. Showing a model of
the human body or the inner ear serves a speaker
When the actual object cannot be used, models are
much better than words and gestures. The same is
an excellent way to illustrate your message, as this
true when the actual object the speaker is explain- speaker shows.
ing is available and appropriate.