Making and Using Visual Aids

DO make your visual aids easy to read, aesthetically pleasing, and relevant. Remember that visual aids should help, not hinder your presentation. Avoid intense color schemes or using colors that will be hard for your audience to read.
DON'T overcrowd your visual aids with information. They are aids for your presentation, not a detailed outline of what you intend to talk about. Your audience will be less likely to pay attention if they can simply get the information from the aid.
DO use italics, bold type, different fonts, etc. to catch the viewers' eye and make the aid easier to read. They are also useful in making the points you wish to emphasize more visible.
DON'T go overboard with the last tip. The overuse of different fonts or stylized type can simply be overwhelming and/or confusing to the viewer.
DO leave plenty of white space around text. It will be much easier for your audience to read and much easier for you to make.
DON'T deliver your presentation to the visual aid. Remember to look at your audience and only turn towards your visual aid when necessary.
DO try to stand out of the way of your visual aid. Be aware of where you and your audience are positioned in relation to the aid
DON'T use too much clip art. It can make your aid cluttered and confusing.
DO practice your presentation with your visual aid(s). Make sure you are familiar with the equipment and that you have accounted for the use of your aid in timing the presentation.