Page 387 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

370 Appendix B

believe in particular opinion leaders, make sure you incorporate quotes from
these leaders in your presentation. You might also arrange to invite them as spe-
cial guests.

Testimony can come from famous people or ordinary people, so be creative. A
group member’s grandparents who have been married for 50 years might be the
perfect people to get your point across about successful relationships, for example.

Visual Materials What visual materials will enhance your presentation? Visual
aids help your audience remember your main points and must be used carefully (see
Table B.3). Lawyers are well aware that juries pay closer attention, understand technical
points better, and remember more when oral testimony is coupled with a visual prop.
The image of Johnnie Cochran slipping the leather glove onto the hand of O. J. Simpson
while repeating, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” during his defense of O. J. Simpson is
still talked about today. It was a powerful moment in the trial and probably influenced
the jury’s verdict. Visual imagery is important, and your group has several options.

TABLE B.3
Simple rules for • Personally make sure that any equipment your group is using is in operating order
using visual aids before the presentation.
• Be prepared to give the presentation even if the audio and visual aids fail.
• Make sure the visual aid is large enough for all audience members to see.
• Make sure the visual aid is shown long enough to make your point.
• Practice using the visuals and know when you plan to use them.
• Do not pass anything out during your presentation. Materials are passed out
before and after the presentation with specific instructions on how the audience
is to use them.
• Do not get carried away with the bells and whistles of PowerPoint software. Keep
it simple and do not let the slides do the presentation for you— they only
complement your presentation.

Objects: If what you are talking about is small enough, bring it with you. One of
our students brought her two small dachshunds to demonstrate a typical veteri-
nary exam. The dogs were well- behaved and effective visual aids. If what you are
talking about is too large, bring in a model or a picture.
Models: A model can show the audience precisely what you are referring to. For
example, one student used a small model of a skeleton to illustrate how bones are
related to one another.
Pictures or videos: A photograph, CD, or YouTube video can focus the audience’s
attention on your topic. Doppler radar images can effectively show air pollution
over California’s highway 99 by using time- delayed images that let the audience
actually observe the pollution’s movement. All visual images must be rehearsed to
ensure they appear correctly in the order you want.

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