Introduction > Presenting Science > Using Visual Aids > Acetates

Acetates Acetates, used with overhead projectors (OHPs) were originally considered the 'cutting edge' of presentations, but their use is becoming less common.  Although they can be visually dull and not particularly exciting, acetates can add interactivity in a way that PowerPoint can't.  If you ask the audience for suggestions or feedback, their answers can be written directly onto an acetate for the whole audience to see.  If you're working with small groups,  you may want to invite participants to write their suggestions on an acetate sheet, or you can pass out the acetate sheets to groups to brainstorm on, and then display their comments using the OHP. Acetates are often printed in advance of the presentation, and therefore any changes you make either have to be written on by hand or the acetate must be re-printed. This makes them less flexible than other visual aids. Practice, practice, practice is the key to preparing for any presentation. For example, it's not uncommon for presenters to put the acetates on the projector back to front or upside down because they've failed to practice in advance. If you're using acetates for your presentation keep them in two separate piles: ones that you have used and ones that you haven't. It's also a good idea to number your acetates so if you drop them you can quickly and easily sort them out again. One word of advice if you are using acetates - if you're printing or photocopying onto them make sure you have printer-ready acetate sheets.  They are more expensive, but don't melt in your machine the way non-printer friendly acetates often do!

<<< Previous Page >>><<< Next Page >>>