There are other benefits. According to a study by the Wharton School, the use of visuals results in a greater percentage of the audience agreeing with the speaker's point of view. When visuals are used, participants come to a decision faster. And they perceive the speaker as more professional, more credible, more interesting, and better prepared than speakers who use no visuals. With today's modern computer graphics, visuals are affordable to firms of every size.
Slides are the most popular type of visual, followed by overhead transparencies and flip charts.
The key to creating successful visuals is not to cram too much onto a single side. Each slide should contain no more than one simple graph or chart, or five short lines of copy. A good test of legibility is to hold the slide at arm's length and read it. If you can't make out the words, chances are the people in the back of the room won't be able to read the slide when it is projected. Arrive early to check out the room and equipment.