Module 8: The Art and Science of Effective Lecturing

Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words

Use visuals strategically to illustrate ideas or concepts that are difficult to describe in words.

Slides, transparencies or Powerpoint visuals should include only key words. A good slide, transparency or Pp visual should be no more than 3-5 lines and less than 20 words.

Slides: Strengths--Good resolution and color, unlimited subjects. Disadvantages--Room must be darkened and the speaker must turn around to see the image.

Transparencies: Strengths--Room can be fully illuminated and the presenter can draw on the transparency. Disadvantages--Limited content and illustrations, clumsy to handle.

Powerpoint: Strengths--Slides can be scanned in, easy to revise, speaker can see the image on the computer screen. Disadvantages—Tendency to read off the computer screen, room needs to be darkened.