¿Cuáles son las mejores prácticas para usar ayudas visuales en las presentaciones?

It's very important to select wisely all the visuals used in the presentations. Avoid using flashy text, images, gifs, or any other things in the presentation that will take attention away from you as a speaker. Also, limit the number of visuals used in a single slide. Keep in mind about the audience in which you are presenting, while selecting the kind of visuals. Keep it simple, clear and easy to read.

Graphics are simplified representations of the intended message. The viewer's knowledge base will influence what information he takes from the graphic, and his attention will be drawn to the aspect of the graphic that is familiar and easiest to understand. He will scan the visual in a pattern accordingly.

Visual aids and content should complement one another. I would also add, it depends on who your audience is and how they would prefer receiving complex to non-complex information.

It’s important to know your audience; every presentation should be tailor-made for your audience. With that in mind, you can create valuable content for those who will interact with your presentation. Visual support is crucial to complement the narrative; look for colorful and eye-catching content that will capture your audience’s attention

Use them to show imagery, graphs, charts or anything else which is visual. If you must use text, keep it ruthlessly minimal in order to avoid putting your speech on display.

Remember your audience; if a visual presentation is the right way to reach them, your audience are spatial thinkers who learn best in group settings. Visual aids must be understandable even by those in the back of the room, and should foster engagement not only with the presenter but also with other audience members.

Use examples to simplify difficult concepts. Use visual aids if used properly, they can also be very effective in presenting difficult concept.

Use them as a guide, the more simple, the better, and please, do not read them, they should complement your ideas, not your script.

Maintain a consistent style throughout your visual aids to create a cohesive and professional look. Use the same color scheme, font, and formatting for all slides.

Use visuals to engage your audience and help them connect with your message. This could include photos, videos, or interactive elements.

You can have great content but poor delivery will lessen the power of your message and your content. On the other hand, weaker content cam be enhanced with great delivery. Strive for both powerful content and delivery. The great news about delivery is that it can be improved through practice. Delivery includes body language, vocal variety, pauses and language.

Healthy self-critique all the time; you can always improve your presentation and tailor it to the audience you are addressing. You can ask your colleagues or friends to help you review it and provide feedback so that you can decide whether to adjust the presentation or not.

Always start with the story/narrative. Any “visual aides” are there to support your presentation. In fact, you should be able to tell your story without the deck. Of course there may be important data points or stats relevant to the whole of your presentation…but the story/narrative should stand on its’ own.

When utilizing visual aids in presentations, it is essential to ensure they effectively support and enhance your content. Keep your slides simple and uncluttered, using high-quality, consistent visuals that complement your verbal delivery rather than replace it. Avoid distractions like excessive animations or special effects, and use contrast effectively to ensure readability. Consider accessibility by making your visuals inclusive for audiences. Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth delivery, and minimize the amount of text on your slides, opting concise bullet points or illustrations that reinforce your key messages. By adhering, you can leverage visual aids to engage your audience and effectively communicate your ideas.

At this point, it’s important to opt for simplicity. Excessive animations can disrupt the timing of the presentation and may require additional support due to complexity. Less is more. Another piece of advice is to incorporate storytelling into your narrative. If you build a story, it will be more memorable for the audience."