The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

262 / SPEAKING AND WRITING

Using visuals effectively

Good visuals have a number of

characteristics in common. The most

important is simplicity. The more

complex a visual display becomes,

the more difficult it is for an audience

to understand. Keep your visuals clear,

ordered, and simple when trying to

explain an important idea or relationship.

Good visuals use color to explain and

attract. Very few people tend to have

exactly the same taste in colors, but

almost everyone appreciates occasions

when colors are used meaningfully and

consistently. Certain traditions, such as

Using visuals well

Thinking

carefully about

the needs and

interests of

your audience

as you plan

your visual aids

Choosing

visuals that

capture the

essence of your

main points

Using color

in a consistent,

careful manner

so that related

items are

color-coded

and grouped

together

Making sure

your visual

support is

simple, crisp,

clean, and

uncluttered

using red numbers or bars to indicate

a loss and black ones to indicate profit,

allow audiences to quickly grasp

information. Try using a simple legend

to explain color use on your charts and

graphs; it helps the audience and will

ensure consistency and simplicity in

your visual aids.

Keep your visuals clear and

simple when trying to

explain an important idea

US_262-263_Developing_Visual_Support.indd 262 30/05/16 3:04 pm