Question

Visual support in business communication

Answer 1

Visuals aids in business help create memorable key points, evaluate data, and understand complex relationships. There are many different types of visual aids that can be used in business presentations.
Visual Aids
Just like stop signs visually alert drivers for the need to stop, visual aids are used in business presentations to illustrate a point. Visual aids appeal to an individual's sense of sight and help further illustrate a point through flip charts, posters, props, models, graphs, charts, and videos. Let's take a look at some samples of different types of visual aids for business presentations.

Kuma Coffee makes high-end coffee machines, grinders, and espresso machines that target customers who are very particular about homebrewed coffee. The company is launching a brand new coffee grinder and is having their sales team present trial ideas on how best to pitch the new grinder at the upcoming National Coffee Convention. Visual aids are invaluable because they can help viewers remember key points, evaluate data, and understand complex relationships.

Flip Charts
Visual aids do not always need to be high-tech. Sometimes even simple flip charts can be beneficial to a presentation. They are created by using large pads of paper displayed on an easel platform. The pages are flipped as each visual aid is used to display a point. Many times, markers are used to jot down ideas or notes. There is even a more modern version that records meeting notes. In fact, the sales team at Kuma Coffee used a flip chart to capture team notes in regards to the sales presentation ideas for the grinder!

Posters
Another option to use for business presentations are posters. Posters are another non-technological option and consist of very large printed pictures that are sometimes laminated for durability. They can be used to further illustrate a point during a presentation. Kuma Coffee has decided to have a few new posters made up for the halls leading into the presentation room at the convention.

Props and Models
Props and models can be inanimate or live objects that help capture a viewer's attention. The advantage of using a prop or model is that individuals can get a real 3-D view of a product, and they can even reach out and touch it. This can create excitement by being able to physically manipulate a product. The Kuma Coffee Team will have the actual new grinder product available at stations throughout the hall, as well as onstage during the sales presentation, so that potential retailers can try the product.

Graphs and Charts