The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership

Chapter 8: Communication and presentation 189

• Making a plan with a framework which has:
  
  
  • a beginning (including introductory remarks, statement of
    objectives and relevance and an outline of the
    presentation(s))
  
  
  • a middle (divided into up to six sections maximum, ensuring
    main points are illustrated and supported by examples or
    evidence, use summaries and consider time allocation
    carefully – and test it)
  
  
  • an end (summarise, linking conclusions with objectives and
    end on a high note)
  
  
  
  

3 Use visual aids

As up to 50 per cent of information is taken in through the eyes,

careful consideration should be given to the clear, simpleand vivid

use of audio-visuals.

Useful tips are:

• Overhead/projector slides help make a point and keep eye
  contact with an audience (look at the people not the slides)


• Only present essential information in this way (keep content
  to about 25 words or equivalent if in figures)


• Have them prepared with appropriate professionalism


• Know the order


• Use pictures and colour if possible


• Do not leave a visual aid on for too long
  Some difficulties with the different types of audio-visual equipment
  are:


• Overhead projection: ease of use and flexibility can be offset
  by poor quality images and problems in using well