This document discusses types of communication aids and guidelines for preparing them. It describes three major types: computer-based media like PowerPoint, audiovisual media like videos, and low-tech options like posters. For each type, examples are provided and their uses and advantages explained. The document concludes with seven guidelines for preparing effective communication aids, such as making sure they can be seen and heard by the audience, are easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, and have backup plans for technical issues.

5. Multimodal
 is defined in the Australian Curriculum as the
Strategic use of two or more communication
modes to make meaning (e.g., image, gesture,
music, spoken language, and written language)
Example: Creating a
PowerPoint presentation

6. Major Types of Communication Aids
computer-based media,
audiovisual media,
low-tech media.

7. 1. Computer-based Media
 The use of computers to present text,
graphics, video, animation, and sound in an
integrated way.
 Computer-based communication aids are
the norm. In most careers, speakers are
expected to be skillful and comfortable in
using PowerPoint or web-based alternatives
to create and display communication aids.

8. When utilizing a Computer-based media
 It is important to reserve one in advance.
 It is important if you gain access to a computer
ahead of time to practice familiarize yourself
with the necessary commands to make you slides
run properly.
 It is also wise to be prepared for technical
problems, which can happen even to the very
skillful computer user. On the day of your
presentation, be sure to arrive early for you to
test out the equipment before the event begins.

9. 2. Audiovisual Media
 Audiovisual is a communication aid
that has both a sound and a visual
component (ie. slide tape
Presentations, films, video clips,
podcasts, online videos,
documentaries, television programs,
and live theater Productions).

10. An interactive whiteboard
 is a large whiteboard,
standalone touchscreen
computer, or a connectable
apparatus used as a touchpad
to control computers from a
projector.

11. Advantages of Audiovisual Media
a. Clarity
Audiovisual input enables the designer and the
audience to observe facial expressions, hear tones
and inflections, and clarify each other’s meanings
and positions.

12. b. Speed.
Today’s communication is immediate, with the use
of audiovisual media such as, videos, phones,
webcams, and face-to-face meetings. It defeats the
written mode of communication which may take
several weeks and months before it reaches its
destination.

13. c. Retention.
There seems an increase of message retention
when audio and visual cues are combined. According to
the United States Department of Labor (in Ireland,
2018), a mere 10 percent of information is retained
when presented only orally and only 35 percent of
information is retained when presented only visually.
But when audio and visual tools are combined to
present a message or idea, 65 percent of that
information is retained.

14. c. Retention.

15. d. Media.
Videos, visual aids, and sound clips create 4
multimedia experience when they are added to
your presentation. Using a variety of media
(i.e, from mp3s to video footage to still-image
slideshows and online social media) in
communication helps you become more
engaging to your audience.

16. 3. Low-Tech Media.
 These systems are methods of communicating that are
not battery powered and are usually cheaper to make.
Common examples of lo-tech systems include picture
exchanging, printed word boards, communication books
& sign language.

17. Examples of Low-tech Media:
a. Chalk or Dry-Erase Board.
Chalkboards are specifically designed for use
with dry chalk sticks. Dry chalk can be easily
erased from Ceramic Steel chalkboards with a
dry felt eraser. Chalk doesn’t stain or ghost,
but it can leave behind a “chalky”
appearance after heavy use between cleaning
with a wet cloth.

18. a. Chalk or Dry-Erase Board.
Whiteboards are also known as dry erase
boards. This describes the act of writing
with dry erase markers and easy removal
of marker ink using a dry eraser or cloth.

19. When writing on the board, however, be sure to follow
these rules:
 Write large enough for everyone in the room to read
what you have written
 Print legibly using sentence case. Do not write in
unless they are readable.
 Write short phrases. Do not write in complete
sentences if your purpose is just to note responses
that will be useful in your talk.

20. b. Flipchart.
A flip chart is a stationery item consisting of a
pad of large paper sheets. It is typically fixed
to the upper edge of a whiteboard, or
supported on a tripod or four-legged easel.
Such charts are commonly used for
presentations.

21. c. Foam Board or Poster Board.
Foam board consists of a thin sheet of
Styrofoam with heavy paper bonded to both
surfaces. Although it is a lightweight,
inexpensive foundation for information, it can
stand on its own when placed in an easel
without curling under at the bottom edge.
A poster board is cheaper than foam board. It
is flimsier, more vulnerable to damage, and
cannot stand on its own.

22. Guidelines in Using Poster Board or Foam Board:
 Ensure that the color of the poster board matches the
color of the paper you will paste on. If you prefer a color
for easy visual contrast so your audience can see it, it
must be a color that is appropriate for the topic.
For example, blue would be the wrong color on a poster for
a speech about “Edsa Revolution.”

23. Guidelines in Using Poster Board or Foam Board:
 When creating a poster, you need to plan how you are
going, to lay out your aid and make it look professional.
Your materials should not look like you simply cut
pictures out of magazines and pasted them on.
 Prepare posters large enough to be visually appealing to
your audience. Large posters are absolutely a
requirement for a crowd to visualize the material.

24. a. Handouts.
Handouts are not a substitute for a
well-prepared speech. They are only
appropriate for delivering information
that audience members can take
away. Using handouts requires a great
deal of management if they are to
contribute to your credibility as a
speaker.

25. When to distribute handouts?
 Before you begin your speech.
Handouts may be distributed before you begin your
presentation. That is done if your purpose is for the listeners
to follow along in a handout. If you are in the room ahead of
time, you may place a copy of the handout on each seat of
the audience. You may also ask a Volunteer to distribute
them as quickly as possible while you are preparing for your
presentation to begin.

26.  During the speech.
Distributing the handouts may be done while you are
delivering your speech. You have to assign somebody to
distribute them once you gave your signal. However,
this may be distracting and interrupts the pace of your
presentation. Likewise, some members of the audience
tend to become impatient waiting for the handouts.
Although most professionals are more manageable than
other groups of audience, they tend to be sidetracked
and their attention defocused while waiting for their
copies.

27.  After your speech is over.
If the handout is a “ takeaway,” leave it on a table near
the door so that those audience members who are
interested can take one on their way out. For a better
management in distributing the handouts, you may ask
somebody to take charge of the distribution after your
speech is over. Do not forget to instruct your audience
about the handouts before you conclude your speech.

28. Functions of Communication Aids
 To clarify or emphasize a point.
 To enhance retention and recall of your message.
 To clarify or emphasize a point.
 To enhance retention and recall of your message.
 To add variety and interest to your speech.
 To enhance your credibility as a speaker.

29. Preparing Communication Aids
Guidelines in Preparing Quality Communication Aids

30. 1. They must be easily seen or heard by your
audience.
The most important rule in preparing a
communication or presentation aid is to make it
accessible for every audience member. Every
member of the audience, even those who are in
back of the room, should be able to see and hear
your tool in order for it to be effective.

31. 1. They must be easily seen or heard by your audience.
Consider the following specific rules:
 Graphic elements in your presentation should be large
enough to read.
 Audio must be loud enough to hear.
 Text-based visuals, charts, and graphs need to be
presented with strong, clean lines and blocks of color.
 The textual elements should be located closest to the part
of your graphic element that they are about.
 Carefully limit the amount of text on a presentation aid.
 Use a simple, easy-to-read type style.

32. 2. They should be easily handled.
Your presentation aids should be handy so
that you can carry them by yourself. You
should be skilled in using the equipment you
will use to present them. Your presentation
aids should not distract you in delivering your
speech.

33. 3. They should be aesthetically pleasing.
Aesthetics refers to the appeal, beauty, or good taste of
a presentation aid.
The principles of design such as, unity, emphasis, scale,
balance and rhythm should be followed whenever you plan
to prepare an impressive presentation aid. Colors should be
used with reason, and borders should be kept simple.

34. 4. Text type must only be used when needed.
Use text only when you must. It is permissible for you to
display your topic, but writing a paragraph of your
analysis is prohibited. It demonstrates your
incompetence to explain the topic in question. Meanwhile,
if you intend to incorporate a reasonable text, it should be
big, simple, and bold. When displaying a text, read it aloud
before you go on to talk about it.

35. 5. Control the size and lines of graphic images.
For example, you might want to display a picture of a sea
shell. Presenting the image would dictate you to enlarge it.
Citing your source with an added caption demonstrates
your integrity. It is recommended that you read out loud
your source for acknowledgment, and this act boosts your
credibility as a speaker.

36. 6. Computer presentations should be used
purposively.
Certain rules should be observed:
Watch your font.
Do not write everything out.
 Do not bow down to the software.
Use appropriate slide colors.
Use proper slide movements.
Utilize relevant sounds or audio.
Practice using the technology.

37. 7. Always have a backup plan.
A skilled professional keeps the speech moving despite of
unexpected problems. You should have the ability to adapt to
situations even if the computer does not work on the first try, if an
easel is missing, if you forgot your learning object. All you need to
do is to troubleshoot to solve the problem and experiment for
possible support in order to overcome the problem with ease and
flexibility.