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The first fifteen chapters of Oral
Presentations for Technical Communication
concentrate on physical techniques (memory,
delivery), research techniques (performing an
audience analysis, researching your topic), and
verbal techniques (all aspects of language
discussed in the preceding chapters) for oral
presentations. In Chapter 16, you will learn how
visual communication is an important and necessary
component of technical presentations. In covering
visual communication, this chapter focuses on the
following topics:
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Visual versus Verbal Communication
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Typefaces and Fonts
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Charts and Graphs
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Icons and Graphics
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Using Color
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These exercises build on the ideas addressed
in Chapter 16:
Presentations and Cyberspace. There are
many excellent sources on the Web for viewing how
complex information can be made into understandable
visual formats. For example, the U.S
Census site shows a line chart of U.S. median household
income for 1967-1997. Locate other sources of
charts and graphs on the Web for your topic of
interest, and notice how these charts might be
useful for your oral presentations.
Presentations and Teamwork. With 2-3
other students, locate a body of statistical
information related to your field. If you have
trouble finding this information, go to the
U.S. Census
site
and select some population data. Now, as a team,
decide on a way to turn a portion of this data into
a chart or graph. (You'll need to make up an
audience and purpose for a sample presentation.)
Using markers and a blank transparency sheet, or a
computer program if you have time, create your
chart or graph. Present it to class, and explain
what choices you made in creating your final
design. Note the dynamics of how you worked
together as a group.
Presentations and International
Communication. Like language-based
communication, visual communication is often
culturally specific. Signs, symbols, diagrams, and
charts that mean one thing to Americans might mean
another thing to someone from a different culture.
One author suggests, for example, that
communicators should not use "any body parts or
animals in icons and graphics," and that figures
representing people should be androgynous (Coe
1996, 304). A group called the International
Standards Organization has attempted to create
cross-cultural icons; you've seen some of these in
airports when you see signs for "no smoking" or for
restrooms. Learn more about ISO and cross cultural
visual communication by checking out the ISO
Website.
Presentations and Your Profession. Many
professions have standard formats for the visuals
used in oral presentations: from rules about fonts
and layout to standard ways of producing charts and
graphs. Locate 2-3 people in your profession but at
different organizations, and ask them about these
topics. Present your findings to class.
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