How to Use Visual Aids and Technology That Enhance (Not Sabotage) Your Message

That Time My Slides Stopped Working Mid-Talk

Let me take you back to one of the most humbling moments of my speaking career.

I was mid-keynote. Lights were perfect. Mic was hot. Slides were synced. Then suddenly — boom. The projector froze. Slides disappeared. The entire presentation screen went dark.

And all eyes turned to me.

That moment could’ve derailed everything — but instead, it became a turning point. Why?

Because I realized something important that day: Your visuals can support your talk, but YOU are the message.

The Problem Isn’t the Tech — It’s How We Use It

We’ve all sat through a presentation where the slides were crammed with tiny text, outdated charts, or animations that made us dizzy.

It’s not just boring — it’s overwhelming. And when visuals are distracting or confusing, your message gets lost.

Here’s what happens when slides go wrong:

• People start reading instead of listening

• You lose eye contact and connection

• You become a narrator instead of a speaker

Let’s be real — some people use slides as a crutch. And audiences can feel it.

Tech Is a Tool — Not the Talk

Once I shifted my mindset, everything changed.

I stopped building presentations around slides. Instead, I started building around my message — and used visuals to amplify key points.

Because when visuals are done right:

• They reinforce your message

• They create emotional engagement

• They keep people visually anchored to your story

Remember this: the slide shouldn’t speak louder than you.

5 Rules I Follow for Effective Slides

Here are the non-negotiables I use in every talk — whether it’s on a corporate stage or during a virtual event:

1. Less text, more impact

   • If your slide is a paragraph, it’s a problem.

2. One idea per slide

   • Keep your message clear and focused.

3. Use images with purpose

   • Every image should add emotion or clarity.

4. High contrast = easy to read

   • Think big fonts, clean layouts, and no guessing.

5. Never read directly from your slides

   • Speak with your visuals, not at them.

When you follow these rules, your slides become an asset — not a distraction.

What to Do When Tech Fails (Because It Might)

Trust me — tech doesn’t always play nice. So I always come prepared with a “just in case” plan.

Here’s what I do:

• Rehearse without slides — so I’m never dependent on them

• Use physical handouts or a printed outline if needed

• Stay calm and keep going — because your presence matters more than your PowerPoint

And honestly? A little humor goes a long way. If your projector dies, say,

“Looks like the universe wants this to be a TED Talk without slides.”

Audiences appreciate speakers who can stay cool under pressure.

Incorporating Video, Charts, and Animations — Wisely

These can work really well… if you use them with intention.

✅ Use videos to trigger emotion or bring in real-life examples 

✅ Use charts when they simplify data (not when they require a microscope) 

✅ Use animations to highlight, not distract

But the key here is timing. Don’t overdo it. Don’t let a cool transition become the most memorable part of your talk.

I’ve seen great speakers completely lose momentum because a video lagged or a slide didn’t load.

Tech should never be the star. You should be.

Tools I Use to Make My Visuals Pop

You don’t need to be a designer to create clean, effective slides.

Here are some tools I use:

• Canva – Great for modern, on-brand designs

• Keynote – Smooth animations and slick transitions

• Google Slides – Easy to collaborate and present online

• Unsplash & Pexels – Free, high-quality images

Pro tip: Stick to your brand colors, use minimal text, and think visual storytelling.

What We’ll Practice at Fearless Speaking

At the Fearless Speaking virtual event, I’ll walk you through:

• How to evaluate your own visuals (and fix what’s not working)

• Slide dos and don’ts (with real-time examples)

• How to stay centered even when tech doesn’t

• Designing a deck that supports your delivery style

🗓️ May 5, 2025 | 1 PM EST 💰 Only $47 🎯 Reserve your seat now — space is limited

Why Mastering This Skill Separates Amateurs from Pros

When your visuals are aligned with your voice, you become unforgettable.

Your audience won’t just remember what they saw — they’ll remember how you made them feel.

That’s what separates a speaker who’s “fine” from one who’s powerful.

This skill will serve you in:

• Boardrooms

• Webinars

• Keynotes

• Interviews

• Workshops And anywhere you need to make an impression.

Join Me at Fearless Speaking — Let’s Make Your Slides Work for You

If you’ve ever:

• Overloaded your deck

• Felt dependent on tech

• Worried your slides were boring…

You’re not alone. And I can help.

🎤 We’ll fix your slides. 🧠 We’ll sharpen your delivery. 🎯 We’ll get you confident — with or without the clicker.

🗓️ May 5, 2025 | 1 PM EST | $47 👉 Reserve your seat for Fearless Speaking now

Final Words — Speak First, Then Let the Screen Support You

Here’s what I want you to walk away with:

Your voice is the message. The tech is just the tool.

When you know your story, when you trust your voice, and when your visuals support — not steal — the spotlight, you become unstoppable.

I’ll help you get there.

See you at Fearless Speaking.

— Dewayne Hill