If you are speaking before a very small audience, you may consider walking out from where you are speaking and bringing the visual aid close enough for the audience to see it. When using a visual aid, be sure to keep talking and incorporate the aid into your speech by making specific reference to different parts of the visual. Again, make sure that the entire audience gets a chance to see it. If your visual aid is a picture or a poster, make sure that your hold it still and not off to the side. When you use your aid, bring it out only for the points to which it is relevant.
Visual aids don t have to be graphs, pictures, or videos.
They can also be props. For example, for a speech on skiing, you may choose to bring in different pieces of the necessary equipment and perhaps wear a ski parka for effect. Not only will this contribute to a sense that your are involved with your topic, but it can serve as a constant reminder to the audience of what, in general, is the topic of your presentation. It is important to keep in mind, however, that visual aids are used to highlight parts of your speech, or add something to it. Last, avoid the temptation to use handouts as visual aids during your speech.