Viewgraphs are the most common and versatile media for visual
presentations. They offer spontaneity and interaction. Once the media of
choice, they lost popularity to the 35mm slide. However, computer-
generated graphics and color printers have bolstered their popularity.
Sometimes, the viewgraph is the appropriate media to recommend for a
There are many advantages of viewgraph presentations. Viewgraphs are easy
to change, right up to the last minute. They are large in format, allowing for
easy preview. Their size approximates a notebook or binder. The projection
device is easy to work and overhead projectors are commonplace. You can
make paper copies from the same artwork used for the viewgraph to
distribute to the audience and increase audience participation. Viewgraphs do
not require a totally darkened room to project. Providing you use the right
type of marker, you can reuse viewgraphs that have blanks to fill in from
class to class.
There are few disadvantages of viewgraphs. Primarily, viewgraph
presentations require someone to switch viewgraphs as the presentation
progresses. If left to an inexperienced person, the presentation may look
amateurish or slipshod.
The standard aperture area of a viewgraph is 7 1/2 by 9-inch. Using a
horizontal format maximizes presentation area by filling the viewing screen.
Mixing horizontal and vertical formats in the same presentation may prove
distracting and vertically oriented viewgraphs can bleed on to the floor or
Keep images simple. Limit concepts presented by projecturals to a single
topic. Break complicated visuals into a series of simple images for
presentation. Use color purposefully to emphasize or clarify detail. Keep
reduction in mind. Often, artwork created for a viewgraph will wind up as a
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