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Study shows just how much visuals increase persuasiveness - (PV)
Do you want your audience to remember more of what you say? A recent
study by the Management Information Systems Research Center at the
University of Minnesota and 3M found that presentations that use visual
support are more persuasive than ones that don't -- 43 percent more
persuasive, in fact.
The reason? Visual support helps listeners understand abstract concepts.
Complex data can be organized and reduced to a graphic, chart or
table to make a point clearly and concisely. Furthermore, effective
visual support maintains listener interest and increases audience
retention of the material being presented.
With that in mind, here are four key points to remember when designing
visuals for your next presentation.
1. Color: Whenever possible, use color in your visuals. Color
attracts attention, adds vitality and increases people's willingness
to pay attention to your visuals. Keep your general color scheme
and design consistent throughout your presentation. The background
color, font style, colors and logo should be the same throughout.
2. Simplicity: Visuals should be easy to read and absorb.
Follow the "one concept per visual" rule, and try not
to use more than three bullets per slide. Consider putting as much
text on your slide as you would on a billboard or T-shirt. And always
remember to say more than you show.
3. Balance: Design your visuals to help your listeners follow
their natural tendencies. Words and phrases should read left
to right and top to bottom, the way audiences are used to seeing
them. Don't put the title anywhere but at the top. Use arrows and
other visual cues to help guide your audience immediately through
the visual.
4. Evaluation: Step into an audience member's shoes. When
evaluating your visuals before delivering your presentation, ask
yourself these questions:
· Is this visual easy to absorb within five to eight seconds
(the average adult attention span)?
· Is it clear where the eye should travel and what the listener
should look at first?
· Does the visual hold your attention and support a key point
in your overall message?
If you answer "yes" to these questions, you will be well
on your way to increasing what your audience remembers -- and you'll
be 43 percent more persuasive in the process!
Originally published in the March 1998 issue of Presentations magazine.
If you would like a copy of this issue contact the Circulation Department
at 800.707.7749 or circwork@billcom.com.
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Here are
some websites to provide you with more detailed info on related topics:
www.presenters.com
www.techweb.com
www.presentations.com |
CUE Conference
Anaheim, California
May 15th - 17th, 2003
InfoComm
Orlando, Florida
June 3rd - 5th, 2003
NECC
Seattle, Washington
June 29th - July 2nd, 2003
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attending in 2003, please click here. |
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regards to, well, anything you want to ask! Please e-mail us
at brightideas@plus-america.com
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