Ever wonder what is in breast milk that will help the environment? OK, I'm not really pretending to make that connection. I just found this video on You Tube about creating visuals to replace a text in PowerPoint presentations that just happens to use a slide about breast milk as an example. Apart from actually being interesting, (after all, I do believe in integrated and holistic learning strategies) this video hits the nail on the head.
When using visuals, keep it simple.
And I didn't embed this video as a plug for the speaker's book, "The Visual Slide Revolution". I haven't read it. But I might, because the advice offered here is easily understood and makes a lot of sense. As he mentions in the introduction, this information is relevant for all presentations. This video is in response to skepticism expressed about the relevance of creating visuals in certain circumstances. This video reveals that simple is key in replacing text, even in short or content oriented presentations.
Make sure when considering visuals that you have your audience in mind. And ask yourselves:
Does this assist audience comprehension?
Gain the right kind of attention?
Establish authority?
Communicate with a broader audience?
Or does it detract from any of those things?
We live in a world dominated by visuals. It is important to recognize how to make ours effective and worth the effort. Photographs, charts, icons, colors . . . they all communicate. Let's make sure they are saying what we want them to say.
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Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. You are correct. We do live in a world dominated by visuals. There are so many things that we see each day that either add to themselves, or on the entire other end of the spectrum, are totally distracting.
Sometimes, a simple visual or heading is all that it takes to either draw a reader in or make them run in the other direction.
- Carmen
Great post. I think visuals help everyone learn and understand what is going on most of the time. How many people "read" magazines just to look at the picture. Great blog. Maybe some more visuals would make it an easier read. ;) just kidding
ReplyDeleteI love your post. You did a wonderful presentation on getting your point across.
ReplyDeletehaha love the opening line.
ReplyDeleteI have found that in a lot of powerpoint presentations, the speaker uses visuals that distract viewers as opposed to actually helping them understand the subject. This can be applied to any kind of media or writing, for example, those commercials where you don't remember what is actually being advertised (okay, so that isn't a "simple visual" but same point)
Good Post Tiffany
awesome post Tiffany
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work :o)
ReplyDelete