Laurel Balcom is a senior at Jackson High School, a 4-year member of the speech and debate team in Informative Speaking, and the Director of Oration for Speech Resources.
Visual aids (VAs) are one of the most powerful tools you can use in Informative Speaking. They help your audience understand complex ideas, remember key points, and stay engaged throughout your speech. Informative Speaking is all about educating your audience in a clear and compelling way, and strong visual aids can turn abstract or complicated information into something accessible and memorable. These aids can include slides, charts, graphs, diagrams, props, models, or even short videos. The key is that every visual you use should support your speech rather than distract from it.
When selecting a VA, consider clarity, relevance, and simplicity. A well-chosen visual will illustrate your points in a way that your audience can immediately grasp. For example, a chart or graph can make numbers easier to digest, while a labeled diagram can explain processes or structures that might be hard to imagine from words alone. Props can provide a tangible, hands-on element that makes your topic more relatable. Avoid cluttered add-ons or parts that include too much text or unnecessary decorations. They can confuse or overwhelm your audience rather than help them.
VAs also have a strong impact on memory and retention. By incorporating visual elements, you are not only making your speech easier to follow in the moment, but you are also leaving a lasting impression that your audience (and judge!) will remember long after your presentation ends, improving your chance of a higher ranking on ballots.
Using VAs effectively requires more than just choosing the right image or chart. Consider the following best practices:
1. Introduce visuals naturally. Explain each aid as you bring it up and connect it directly to your speech! Simply pointing isn't enough; you must cohesively include your VAs into different points as to make them have a real purpose in your speech.
2. Practice with your aids! Make sure you can reference them smoothly without losing eye contact or breaking the flow of your speech.
3. Check readability and visibility. Ensure images, charts, and/or text are large enough to be seen by everyone, and avoid colors or fonts that make them hard to read.
4. Use timing strategically. Don’t show all your visuals at once; introduce them when they are relevant to your points.
When done correctly, VAs not only enhance understanding but also boost your credibility as a speaker. They show that you have prepared thoroughly, organized your ideas logically, and are capable of communicating them effectively to an audience.
Ultimately, VAs are tools to support and enhance your speech, not crutches. Your words, delivery, and understanding of the topic should remain the main focus. When selected and used thoughtfully, visuals make your speech dynamic, memorable, and professional, helping your audience engage with your ideas in a meaningful way.
By taking the time to choose, design, and practice with your VAs, you can elevate your Informative Speaking and leave a lasting impression on your judges and audience.