In this chapter you have learned the following:

• Sensory aids improve presentations because they help listeners learn more and stay more involved with the message.
• Sensory aids are resources other than the presenter that stimulate listeners. The most common type is visual aids.
• Sensory aids improve presentations because people learn better from multiple media, they are more motivated to listen, and they perceive your message more accurately.

• With a computer and digital projector you can use PowerPoint to display a variety of types of visual and sensory aids.
• Text slides use words and phrases to provide audience members with information.
• Tables combine text and numbers to efficiently present information. They are particularly useful when you want to compare and contrast two or more things.
• Charts efficiently display pictures of quantitative data. Bar or column charts, line charts, and pie charts are among the most common.
• Flowcharts are diagrams that represent a hierarchical structure or process.
• By using images from the Internet, a digital camera, or a scanner, you can easily integrate pictures into your PowerPoint slides.
• Audio and video can be integrated into your PowerPoint presentation by using a digital camcorder or a digital converter attached to a computer. Audio and video clips should be short.

• Slides should be clear, easy to read, and simple. Have a backup plan in case your PowerPoint file cannot be used, and concentrate on preparing and delivering an effective presentation rather than relying on "PowerPoint pizzazz" to impress the audience.
• Other types of sensory aids can include yourself, objects, models, audio and video, slide transparencies, overhead transparencies, and handouts.

• Before integrating sensory aids into your presentation, you should take care to make sure that they are effective and ethical.
• Produce professional sensory aids that are audience-centered. Never use a sensory aid that could be dangerous or offensive.
• Explain your sensory aids to the audience by discussing how they directly relate to your central idea or main points.

• Practicing your presentation with sensory aids reveals how much time is needed to adequately explain each visual aid.
• Practicing good delivery techniques and hiding your sensory aids when they are not needed are ways to avoid distracting the audience from your message.