Visual aids are any materials that give shape and form to words or thoughts, and they can powerfully help the effectiveness of a speech. They mainly appeal to the audiences vision more than any other sensory organ, and they can include physical samples, models, handouts, pictures, videos, infographics, and more. Here are some reasons to use visual aids in speeches and presentations:

• Engage the audience: Visual aids can spark interest when the brain is feeling fatigued, making it easier to receive and process complex information. They can capture the waning attention of an audience and re-energize the room.

• Boost understanding: Visual aids can improve audience understanding and memory of the content presented.

• Ignite an emotional response: Impactful visuals can help communicate ideas and messaging more effectively, no matter what type of audience is being addressed.

• Convey important information: Visual aids can help organize talking points, avoid off-topic rambling, and even jog the speakers memory if they get hit with a bout of stage fright.

• Appeal to visual learners: A whopping 65% of humans are visual learners, and the brain processes visual information about 60,000 times faster than text.

Common types of visual aids include photographs, infographics, diagrams, videos, and data charts and graphs, such as pie charts and bar charts. When using visual aids, its important to practice with them and ensure that the logistics of the setting are conducive to their use.