COMMUNICATION AIDS AND STRATEGIES
USING TOOLS OF TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
In the previous lessons, we understand why there is a need for humans to
communicate. They do so for certain purposes. To achieve those purposes, communication
strategies will be used to obtain, provide, and disseminate information. We already know
how communication changed drastically with the aid of technology, so it is important for
people to take into account every aspect of how they are relaying information. This is where
communication strategies come into play.
In this module, you will learn the different communication aids and strategies for
media presentation and what is best to use in your presentations. This lesson is important
because it will help you to be more confident in making and presenting your multimedia
presentations.
Learning Outcome
At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
a. convey ideas through oral, audio-visual, and/or web-based presentations for
different target audiences.
b. to determine the various presentation that are commonly used.
c. to evaluate the effective strategies in preparing and using these media when
communicating.
d. apply the strategies in making digital slides.
Learning Content
CREATING MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION
Definition
Presentation Media – an independent presentation that contains information, using
slides, video, recordings and digital representations.
Using Computer Technology
1. Digital Slides – a presentation
software commonly using PowerPoint. It
allows computer users to display 2. Real-Time Web Access – used to
information in multimedia presentation. demonstrate how to do something
special on the web such as researching
ideas and information.
It’s presently being used to describe information
being available in search results as soon as it has
been published by its author. Examples of this are
Twitter or FriendFeed search.
A. Characteristics of Multimedia Presentation
In preparing multimedia presentations for various communication purposes, it is
important to consider the following:
1. Multimedia presentations are visually oriented (displayed on a monitor or projected
onto a screen)
2. They allow users to use different modalities such as:
VIDEO
PHOTOG ANIMA
RAPHS TION
MODALITIES
AUDIO TEXT
GRAPHICS
B. Special Features of Computer-Based Presentations
The following features of computer-based presentations are widely used and are
of great help to the users:
1. Custom navigation Printouts
Linking
between Can be made
slides, to into hard copy
other media, printouts or
and to the transparencies.
internet.
Uploadable
Can be
uploaded to
the web.
C. Strategies Using Tools of Technology
Although the use of technology is personalized and creativity is required, the
following strategies are recommended for effective delivery of information and ideas:
• Keep it simple
• Emphasize your key ideas
• Show what you can’t say
• Use close up shots and other images
• Keep the number of images you present manageable
• Combine variety with coherence
• Use large lettering
D. Multimedia Presentation Tips
Here are some tips for your multimedia presentations to be more presentable:
1. Go for creativity. Create your own design. Try different combinations and let
your creativity flow.
2. Colors are nice. Flat colors are beautiful and contrast is your friend.
3. Use good fonts. Comic Sans and Georgia will do.
4. Text is evil. Too many texts in one slide exhausts the audience.
5. Images say more than a thousand words. Make the images more powerful.
6. Big is beautiful. Think big. Think bold.
7. Info graphics are amazing. Use simple info graphics.
8. Get inspired. Remember your ultimate goal.
Always remember these:
• 10-20-30 rule: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30 font size
• 1-6-6 rule: 1 main idea, 6 bullets, 6 words per bullet
• 7-7 rule: 7 lines, 7 words
• 9Ps: Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance of the Person Putting
on the Presentation.
Communication Aids
Communication Aids are visual support used to make presentation interesting
and effective. It is a great help to present the ideas clearly by highlighting the significant
information.
Communication Aids Examples
• PowerPoint – offers users many ways to display information from simple to
complex multimedia presentations.
• Prezi – a visual storytelling software alternative to traditional slide-based
presentation formats. Prezi presentations feature a map-like overview that lets users pan
between topics, zoom in on details, and pull back to reveal context.
• LinkedIn Slideshare – users can upload files privately or publicly in PPT, Word,
PDF, or OpenDocument format. Content can then be viewed on the site itself, on hand
held devices or embedded on other sites
• Brainshark – provides a web-based applications and products delivered via
software as a service to help companies improve sales effectiveness and productivity.
• TED.com – an American media organization that posts talks online for free
distribution under the slogan “ideas worth spreading”.
Teaching and Learning Activities
• Online/Face-to-face discussion
• Question and Answer
• Peer critiquing
Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adopted
• Online (synchronous): Google classroom/google meet
• Remote (asynchronous): Modular
References
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J.M., Licas, K. 2012. Communication at Work: Strategies for Success in
Business and the Professions. NY: McGraw Hill.
Biber, D., Conrad S. 2009. Register, genre, and style. Cambridge: Cambridge University.
Chase, R., Shamo, S. 2013. Elements of Effective Communication. 4th Edition. Washington, Utah:
Plain and Precious Publishing.
Dainton, Zelly E. 2015. Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life. A practical
Introduction. 3rd Edition. Sage Publications.
Mooney, A, Peccei, J.S., La Belle S, et. al. (2010). Language Society and Power: An Introduction,
3rd Edition. London: Routledge.
