Elements of Language: Choose Your Media

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You can support the main points of your presentation by choosing the right multimedia elements for the job.

Charts and graphs can explain numerical relationships.
Maps and plans illustrate physical layouts.
Photographs provide examples or illustrate detail.
Video clips show continuity and change over time.
Audio clips emphasize key points or new information.
Captions provide information about the elements on the screen.

Once you've chosen a type of media, you can either find or create the specific multimedia element you need.

Make Your Own
The easiest way to find the multimedia elements for your presentation is to create them yourself. That way, you can be sure that they fit your presentation perfectly. You can also be sure you aren't breaking the law by using copyrighted materials in the wrong way.

Check the documentation that came with the computer you're using to find out how to create graphics, video and audio clips for your presentation. You also might check with your school's yearbook, newspaper, or library staff to see what programs and equipment they use.

Search the Web
You can also find multimedia elements by using a search engine on the World Wide Web. There are a number of Web sites that have graphics, audio clips, and video clips that you can download. A keyword search on most search engines will produce a list of sites that might include the elements you need.

Remember that much of the material available on the Web is copyrighted, and could be illegal for you to use incorrectly. Ask your teacher about your school's policy on using material from the Web.

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