Chapter 12

Visual Aids

Learning Objective 1

Describe the purposes of visual aids in written and oral communication.

Effective Visual Aids

•Help improve understanding of complex ideas.

• Increase retention of information.

•Add interest and variety.

Learning Objective 2

Prepare and properly label figures and tables for written reports.

Figures and Tables

•Titles – (Who, What, When , Where, Why)

•Numbered for reference•May be called illustrations–Figures –Tables

Learning Objective 3

Describe five types of tables and charts and explain an appropriate use for each type.

Tables and Charts

• Word table – comparison of terms• Numeric data tables – comparison of

numbers• Organization charts – reporting

relationships• Flow charts – step by step

progression• Pie charts – relationships of parts to

a whole

Learning Objective 4

Describe five types of graphs and construct graphs for various purposes.

Graphs

• Bar graph – compares differences in quantities

• Simple bar graph• Broken bar graph• Multiple bar graphs• Stacked bar graphs• Positive-negative bar graphs• Line graph – shows changes over time• Multiple line graph

Learning Objective 5

Describe three other types of visual aids.

Visual Aids

•Map•Pictograph•Photograph•Drawing

Learning Objective 6

Explain ethical and other considerations for developing visual aids.

Ethical and Other Considerations

•Pictograph – number of images, not their size

•Bar graph – Height or length, not the width–Must begin at zero

•Line Graph – intervals should be consistent

Ethical and Other Considerations, continued

•Visual aids should have labels and good contrast between text and background.

•Use color to attract attention to key information, contrast data, and create moods.

Learning Objective 7

Select and prepare appropriate visual, audio, or multimedia aids for oral presentations.

Aids for Presentations

•Slides and transparencies•Handouts•Flipcharts•Posters•Physical objects or models