Using Visual it helps people to remember the message some time
 after it has been delivered-because it has been
Aids more coherently and emphatically presented.
 However, a visual aid is not in itself a guarantee that these
 qualities will be present. In fact an inappropriate or too complex
 visual aid can be counter-productive-serving only to confuse
 rather than enlighten an audience.

 WHAT MAKES A GOOD VISUAL AID?
 Before making or using a visual aid itis as well to ask yourself a few
 key questions:

 Is it as simple as I can make it?
 To show, for instance, the increase in national maize yield com-
 pared with the population increase, a simple two line graph may be
 better than a complicated set of figures.

 Is it as bold as I can make it?
 It has to be seen by all the members of an audience. The more detail
 that is included, the smaller that detail is likely to be-and the less
 readable.

 Is it as clear as I can make it?
 A very common mistake is to include too much information on one
 visual at one time. Sometimes it is better to present and build up
 the information step-by-step in a series of displays.

 Is it as interesting as I can make it?
 The layout and colour of the display should be attractive and
 stimulating.
 In general, the appearance of a visual is bound to affect people's
 reaction to it. A visual that is shoddy, carelessly made or badly laid
 out will put off people from looking at it or taking it seriously. On
 the other hand, a well designed, clean and well presented visual
 will catch the eye and hold attention.


Chapter 11