Presentations: PowerPoint Can Satisfy the Visual Crave!

Microsoft PowerPoint has become the standard visual aid used in presentations and speeches.  

This communication tool has also gained criticism due to  poorly created and badly delivered presentations.  As a result, we realize tools are helpful only when used properly.  

Statistics reveal society continues to crave visual content. With that knowledge, let's discuss the pros and cons of using (and not using) visual aids, specifically PowerPoint, in presentations.

The Pros - Accomplish More with Visual Aids

• Make the presentation more interesting
• Enhance speaker credibility
• Aid with the flow of the presentation
• Communicate complex information
• Reinforce the verbal message
• Help the audience retain the information

The data presented in the graph compares retention times of persons exposed to content presented verbally and content reinforced visually. After 3 hours, only 70% of people remember content presented verbally. However, 85% remember visual reinforced content. More impressive after 3 days, results show 60% of listeners remember visually reinforced content and only 10% remembered exclusively verbal presentations.

Further, a study conducted by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. (3M) at the University of Minnesota found that people who use visual aids are 43% more persuasive. The study also found that visual aids can improve communication effectiveness and speaker's confidence.

The Cons - Common Visual Aid Mistakes 

• Animation on slides distract listeners from message
• Failing to look at the audience and reading slides
• Verbal information does not relate to visual
• Appearing too dependent on the visual aid
• Providing too much information

The most important visual aid for your audience is you, the speaker! Never create a situation where the PowerPoint is the main focus and you are on the side, reading or helping the listeners follow along.  Be a presenter not a reader. Great visual aids support and enhance a presentation. 


Finally, clarity is key in the use of visual aids. Avoid the most common mistake of information overload. Improve visual aids by using less words and more pictures. People often understand pictures and images more quickly and easily than text.  Use this to your advantage. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!  

Works Cited

Successfully Using Visual Aids. 10 May 2005. 17 April 2015. <http://www.uab.edu/uasomume/fd2/visuals/page2.htm>.

Undeniable Conference Impact: Using Visual Aids. n.d. Web. 17 April 2015. <https://www.accuconference.com/resources/conference-impact.html>.

Vogel, DR., Dickson, GW., and Lehman, JA., Persuasion and the Role of Visual Presentation Support: The UM/3M Study, 1986

Zuck, Roy B. The Speaker's Quote Book. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2009.