Visual Media

Definition

• Visual Media is information in the form of visual representations.

Visual media in marketing uses visually appealing graphics and

designs to promote a business or company. It includes not just

graphics but also videos and photos. Types of visual media include

digital and printed images, photography, graphic design, videos,

animation, and more.

• Visual media is regularly viewed on billboards, smart phones,

newspapers, screen projectors, posters, televisions, computers, and

various other mediums and devices, including this one!

• Visual media is often used as a learning and
teaching aid, such as in presentations and
training guides. Photography and video are the
primary visual media types and capture a
location, moment, memory, or message in a
visual form.
• Visual Media can be a very powerful tool to
enhance the impact of your presentations. Words
and images presented in different formats can
appeal directly to your audience's imagination,
adding power to your spoken words. a variety of
different visual images. Try using photographs,
tables, diagrams, charts, drawings, key words, or
video sequences. Be creative and deliberate in your
choice of images to achieve the most impact.
 Visual Aids

• Visual Aids: Visual aids are visual materials, such as pictures,

charts, and diagrams, that help people understand and remember
information shared in an oral presentation. When giving a speech
or presentation, a speaker communicates information orally.

• Visual aids can powerfully help the effectiveness of a speech.

Many speeches benefit from having objects, images, key quotes,
or data presented in a clear and dramatic fashion. Visual aids vary
in kind, but there are similar benefits and tips for dealing with
any kind of supplementary evidence that is shown to an audience.
• Reasons to Use Visual Aids
• Improves audience understanding and memory
• Serves as notes
• Provides clearer organization
• Facilitates more eye contact and gesture by the speaker
• Contributes to speaker credibility

Types of Visual Aids

Graphs
People
-pie
Maps
-bar
Objects
-line
Charts
Photographs, Pictures, Diagrams,
-flow
Sketches
-tree
Projected Images
-sequence
-overhead projectors
-pictographs
-Powerpoint presentation
-flip
-film
 What is visual communication?

• Visual communication is storytelling; it’s how we communicate information and

create experiences across a range of visual mediums. It can be found within

design, illustration, photography, art and advertising; it could be an image, a

quote, a campaign, a film or an animation.

• Great visual communication has the power to inform, educate, challenge,

provoke and even change behavior using visual materials.

• Visual communication is the use of visual elements to convey

information, ideas, or data. It can be used to inspire change, evoke

emotion, or educate the viewer. Visual communication can be found

in many mediums, including:

• 1/ Visuals: These are the core components of visual

communication, including any form of visual representation used

to convey a message, such as images, illustrations, photographs,

and videos.

• 2/ Typography: The use of different fonts, sizes, and styles of text

to enhance readability and emphasize key points in the visual.

• 3/ Color: The strategic use of colors to evoke emotions, create a

visual hierarchy, and support the overall message.

• 4/ Composition: The arrangement of visual elements to create

balance, unity, and flow within the design.

• 5/ Symbols and Icons: Simplified representations used to convey
complex ideas or concepts at a glance.
• 6/ Charts and Graphs: Charts and graphs can be used to
communicate data. Visual representations of data and statistics to
make information easier to understand and analyze.
• 7/ Layout and Design: Graphic design uses design principles to
communicate a message in a clear and eye-catching way.
• The organization of visual elements on a page or screen to guide the
viewer’s attention and enhance the overall aesthetic.
• 8/ Context: Understanding the target audience, cultural influences, and
the specific purpose of the communication to tailor the visuals
effectively.
•Illustration: Illustrations can be used to convey meaning.
•Photography: Photos can be used to communicate ideas.
•Art: Art can be used to communicate information.
•Advertising: Advertising can use visual communication to
convey a message.
•Videos: Videos can be used to tell a story and share
information.
•GIFs: GIFs can be used to show simple animated images.
•Maps: Maps, such as mind maps and content maps, can be
used to communicate information.
•Slide decks and presentations: Slide decks and

presentations can be used to communicate information.

•Screen capture and recordings: Screen capture and

recordings can be used to communicate information.

•Visual communication is often more efficient and

accessible than written communication. Research suggests

that 50% of people are visual learners, meaning that visual

communication can be beneficial for wider society.

 What is visual communication design?

• Visual Communication Design is the process of

planning, creating, and implementing visual elements
to effectively convey information to a specific
audience. Visual communication design goes beyond
the ordinary use of visuals; it involves a thoughtful
and strategic approach to visually represent concepts
or data in a way that is both visually pleasing and
meaningful.
 Characteristics of visual communication

• Several key characteristics of visual communication that set it apart as a

powerful and effective means of conveying information and messages:

• Visual Nature: Visual communication primarily relies on visual elements to

convey information. These visual representations often overcome language

barriers and can be easily understood by various audiences.

• Simplicity and Clarity: Effective visual communication is characterized by

simplicity and clarity. The visuals are designed to be easily understood at a

glance, conveying the message without unnecessary confusion.

• Speed and Efficiency: Visuals allow for a quick

understanding of information. A well-designed visual

can convey a complex message rapidly, saving time

and effort compared to reading a lengthy text.

• Enhancing Comprehension: Visuals can complement

textual information, assisting in the understanding of

complex concepts or data. They provide visual context

and help to break down information into smaller parts.

 Why visual communication is important

• Visual communication is a powerful and effective means of conveying

and retaining information.

• 1/ Enhancing Communication: Visuals can convey emotions, context,

and non-verbal signals, making communication more expressive and

attractive. They add depth and richness to messages, allowing for a better

connection with the audience.

• 2/ Fostering Brand Identity: Visual communication is a key element in

branding and marketing. Consistent visual elements such as logos, color

schemes, and design styles help establish and reinforce a brand’s identity,

making it recognizable and distinct.

• 3/ Enhanced Comprehension: Visuals complement textual

information, making it easier for the audience to understand and retain

the content. In fact, another study indicates that individuals typically

retain approximately 20 percent of what they read and merely ten

percent of what they hear. Equally, these studies have revealed a

remarkable 80 percent holding rate for what people see and do.

• 4/ Supporting Decision-Making: Data visualization through charts and

graphs enables better decision-making by presenting complex data in a

clear and organized manner. Visualizing patterns and trends makes it

easier for stakeholders to interpret information and draw insights.

• 5/ Attention and Interest: Skillfully crafted visuals have the remarkable ability

to capture the audience’s attention and spark a genuine interest in the content

being conveyed. They can break the monotony of text-heavy information,

encouraging people to explore the content further.

• 6/ Accessibility and Inclusivity: Visual communication can be designed to

provide to various audiences, including people with visual damages or learning

disabilities. By incorporating accessibility features, visual content can reach a

wider range of individuals.

• Overall, visual communication is a fundamental aspect of modern

communication and design. Its ability to convey information quickly, and engage

emotions makes it a powerful tool in various industries, from marketing to

education and data analysis.

 Principles of visual designs

• Visual design principles contain many elements in one image. The

combination of colors, typography, or movement plays a significant role in

communicating with the audience. A good visual design must translate a

universal understanding when scanning through the image or watching a

video advertisement. The first few seconds must captivate the audience’s

attention and trigger their interest to know more about the product.

• If you just start working in the visual design industry, these principles could

come in handy when you want to create your first few designs as a visual

designer. If you have a few years of experience in the industry, this blog

could be a good reminder during your designer’s block moments.

• Color:‍Colors create an impact on each individual, and most

colors we see in video advertisements or product images

share the same universal meaning. This is important so that
people in different countries could achieve a similar
understanding of the design. Blue reflects a sense of
calmness, red portrays boldness, yellow stir cheerful
emotion, and so on. Designers must be aware that there are
colors that are interpreted differently by a certain segment of
the audience. Do some research before planning on the
colors to apply to your design.
• Contrast:‍Contrast helps to differentiate the elements in your design. The
different sizes, colors, or line weights make the elements stand out to catch
the audience's attention and understand the underlying message of the design.
Contrast highlights and guides the viewers’ eyes to view the elements of your
design effortlessly. It is the principle that makes your design ‘Pop’ 💥.
Insufficient contrast may lead to difficulty in reading the text or
understanding the pattern of the design, as well as affecting the audience's
effort to understand the artwork.
• Hierarchy:‍The order of the messages in your design is determined
through your hierarchy. Hierarchy helps and guides the audience to
read through the flow of information. This hierarchy can be created
by playing with the font size, shapes, patterns, repetition, or the
alignment of your design. It directs your audience to view the most
important of your design first before moving on to the less important
information. This is great as it will prevent the audience from having
‘Which elements should I view first?’ symptoms and allow them to
process the information in your design.
• Repetition:‍Humans tend to remember when things are in repetition. This
can be observed by the awful songs that stuck in your head from the
repetition playlist by the DJ, the awkward-looking fashion that you chose to
wear because the design is on the billboards everywhere, and the newsletter
shopping reminders 💸. Repetition triggers actions. It reminds people of
your design, makes people recognize your design, and gives a sense of
identity to your design. Repetition can be created using words, colors,
shapes, and other elements of design.
• your brand icon.
• the usage of fonts, or
• the overall design tone.
• Typography: You know the time where the typo error on our text
messages creates awkward, funny, and sometimes anger to the receiver
and sender 😆 ? That’s how powerful typography is, it creates emotions
and brings impact to the audience. In the visual design field,
typography is the looks of the wording. Typography sets the tone of
your design and the product you are representing. Did you notice the
unnatural typography on a horror movie poster and the ‘bubbly
looking’ typography on a comedy movie poster? It’s amazing how the
shapes and colors of the alphabet could produce such an impact.
• Space: As much as we need some space in our life, so do our designs. There
must be sufficient space for the design to tell its story. Would you understand a
speech without full stops? And even if you try to enforce as much attention to
the speech, chances are you will be irritated and leave the hall. The same goes
with the spaces in the design, it allows us to take some time to understand the
design, and summary the information. Negative spaces are the ‘breathing
spaces’ between each word or pattern, and positive spaces are the actual letters
or patterns. Getting the right relationship between negative and positive space
allows you to achieve balance in your artwork.
• White Space: White space (also belongs to the negative space
category) has its function in visual design. It makes the
organization and the hierarchy of your design more visible. The
empty space helps to simplify your design by clearly separating
the different elements in your design and make it easier for the
audience to differentiate the elements, which allows quick
interpretation based on the connection between the elements.
• Balance: A balanced visual does not mean that all your elements have to be
the same size. That will be a bit odd, isn’t it? Balance your design through
the colors, size, and patterns of the elements. It is meant to guide the
audience’s eyes while looking through your design and at the same time,
assist the audience to understand the design better. A poor balance design
will mislead the viewer from focusing on the main element in the design.
• Emphasis: Emphasis the most important element in your design. According
to Emmanuel, emphasis helps the audience know what your main point is.
Before you start to design, brainstorm on ways to emphasize the main
element of your design. What is the best way to portray the element? What
is the best way to convey the message through the element? How to
position the element? Perhaps you can use an outstanding color, maximize
the bold size, or position the element right in the center of your design.
Emphasizing the first element will influence the main message of the art.
• Movement:The audience’s eyes movement to be exact. How to make the rest
of the elements exist and could be understood by the audience? The
movement from one element to another supports the story of your design.
Keep adjusting the elements until you are satisfied with the results and
feeling that you have achieved a well-balanced and accessible design. Share
your design with a few people before finalizing the design. Different sets of
eyes 👀👀👀 could point out the elements that are nosy with the movement and
recommend some ideas on how to make the movement even smoother.
 Types of Visual Media:

• Posters:

• Charts

• Photos

• Bulletin Board

• Transparencies

• Power Point Slides

• Graphs
• Posters: This guide presents a strategy for producing poster presentations that
encourages clarity as well as creativity, helping you to make the most of your poster
design.

• Poster presenters are usually offered a large area to display their material

• Posters are usually read at a viewing distance of more than one meter. You will
need to make sure that your poster is legible and easy to scan at this distance so
that your information is understood quickly.

• The temptation to fill the space with as much material as possible should be
avoided; poster presentations should never be as dense as a printed page.

• Many seminar or workshops organizers supply guidelines suggesting suitable

font styles and sizes, along with conventions for titles and subheadings. Use
these to guide your basic poster design.

• When making posters it is essential that you give careful consideration to their
visual appearance as well as their content.
• Posters

• Large sheets of paper that are often used to promote something in

a public space, or as wall decoration. Posters can be used for
many purposes, including advertising events, musicians, and
films, or to reproduce artwork. They are often designed to be eye-
catching and informative, and can include text, images, bright
colors, and various fonts and sizes.
• Posters and charts can be used by teachers and students in the
classroom, or by business professionals for presentations. They
can be used to present main points, write or draw information, or
show words or graphics to the entire audience
Photos:
• Charts:
• Can be used to display information about a specific area of a subject. Charts can include

a variety of types, such as narrative charts, chain charts, evolution charts, strip charts,

and pull charts. When using charts, it's important to ensure that all details are visible to

the entire class, and that the chart is neat and doesn't contain too much information

• A chart is a graphical representation of data, in which "the data is represented by

symbols, such as bars in a bar chart, lines in a line chart, or slices in a pie chart".

A chart can represent tabular numeric data, functions or some kinds of qualitative

structure and provides different info.

• Normally the most popular types of charts are: column charts, bar charts, pie charts,

doughnut charts, line charts, area charts, scatter charts, spider and radar charts, gauges

and finally comparison charts. Here is a quick view of all of these types. The biggest

challenge is how to select the best and the most effective type of chart for your task.
• If you want to choose the most suitable chart
type, generally, you should consider the total
number of variables, data points, and the time
period of your data. Basically, each type of chart
has specific advantages. For example, scatter
charts are good for indicating relations between
different factors or topics, while line types are
good for showing trends.
• Bulletin Board:

• A bulletin board (pin board, notice board, or notice board in British English)

is a surface intended for the posting of public messages, for example, to

advertise items wanted or for sale, announce events, or provide information.

• Bulletin boards are often made of a material such as cover to facilitate

addition and removal of messages, as well as a writing

surface such as blackboard or whiteboard.

• A bulletin board which combines a pin board (corkboard) and writing surface

is known as a combination bulletin board. Bulletin boards can also be entirely

in the digital domain and placed on computer networks so people can leave

and erase messages for other people to read and see, as in a bulletin board

system.
• Transparencies:

• Transparencies are acetate or plastic sheets, normally about letter size

(A4), on which you can write your information. The transparency is then
used with an overhead projector to show the written material on a screen
or wall (Figure 6.8). This instructional medium is probably next to the
chalkboard and handouts in frequency of use. Unlike chalkboards, which
are restricted to small classes, the OHP can be used with medium or large
classes. Use it to demonstrate visually important points, show diagrams,
highlight issues, build up information as you teach, and to support other
methods of communication visually.

• Before you make transparencies, you should plan them carefully just as

you planned your printed media.

• Remember that you can also add information to your original

transparency as you talk. This can be done by using special pens.

• Choose your colour pens. There are basically two kinds of

pens which you can use for writing or drawing on transparencies:

• (a) spirit-based pens whose images are permanent, meaning that the

writing or drawing can only be erased using special solvents such as

methylated spirits, and (b) water based pens whose images can be

erased with plain water.

• Use large bold lettering and clear simple drawings with as few

lines and labels as possible (Laver, 1990).

• Power Point Slides:

• A PowerPoint presentation is a presentation created using Microsoft

PowerPoint software. The presentation is a collection of individual slides

that contain information on a topic. PowerPoint presentations are
commonly used in business meetings and for training and educational
purposes.

• A slide is a single page of a presentation. Collectively, a group of slides

may be known as a slide deck. A slide show is an exposition of a series of

slides or images in an electronic device or in a projection screen.

• Before the advent of the personal computer, a presentation slide could be

a 35 mm slide viewed with a slide projector or a transparency

viewed with an overhead projector.
 Graphs:
• History: The history of graph theory states it was introduced by

the famous Swiss mathematician named Leonhard Euler, to solve

many mathematical problems by constructing graphs based on

given data or a set of points. The graphical representation shows

different types of data in the form of bar graphs, frequency tables,

line graphs, circle graphs, line plots, etc.

• A graph is a mathematical diagram which shows the relationship

between two or more sets of numbers or measurements.

The major categories of graphs used in statistics

and mathematics to represent numerical data in

two dimensions are:

• Statistical graphs: These graphs are used to

represent statistical data in a visual format.

Examples of statistical graphs include bar

diagrams, pie charts, line graphs and histograms.

 Pictograph: In pictographs, the categories are not

entered in numbers. Their pictures are placed in the

respective squares of a graph paper. By using several

images, you can easily find the maximum and minimum

value of that category. As an example, pictographs are

used for visualizing trees in the Mediterranean region,

Equatorial region, cold regions, etc. The pictures of trees

are entered in the squares of the respective area on the X-

axis.
 Types of graphs

• Bar graph is a way to visually represent qualitative

data. information is displayed either horizontally or
vertically and allows viewers to compare items. The
bars are arranged in order of frequency, so more
important categories are emphasized.
• Bar graphs are used to show absolute data or
relationships and comparisons. Be sure to include
scales and values. Be sure the type is legible.
• Histogram:

• A histogram is a type of graph that has wide

applications in statistics. Histograms provide a visual
interpretation of numerical data by indicating the
number of data points that lie within a range of
values. These ranges of values are called classes or
bins. The frequency of the data that falls in each class
is depicted by the use of a bar. The higher that the bar
is, the greater the frequency of data values in that bin.
• Line Graphs:

• A line graph shows how values change. For example, you could plot

how your child grows over time. Line graphs can also be used to

show how functions change. Line graphs are ideal for illustrating

trends or performance over time. Your scale should include

significant dates and milestones.

• Graphs should include no more than three lines. In black and white

visuals, the lines should be distinctly different, e.g., dashed, solid,

dots, etc. In color visuals, the lines should be easily differentiated

colors which contrast well with the background.

• Time Plot Gropes:

• A time plot (sometimes called a time series graph) displays

values against time. They are similar to x-y graphs, but while
an x-y graph can plot a variety of “x” variables (for example,
height, weight, age), timeplots can only display time on the
x-axis. Unlike pie charts and bar charts, these plots do not
have categories. Timeplots are good for showing how data
changes over time. For example, this type of chart would
work well if you were sampling data at random times.
• Time Series Grapes :

• To construct a time series graph, you must look at both

pieces of the paired data set. Start with a standard
Cartesian coordinate system. The horizontal axis is used
to plot the date or time increments, and the vertical axis
is used to plot the values variable that you are
measuring. By doing this each point on the graph
corresponds to a date and a measured quantity. The
points on the graph are typically connected by straight
lines in the order in which they occur.
• Steps & Skills in Developing Visual Media:

• Well constructed visuals can make your presentation more exciting,

effective and memorable. However, in order for the visuals to accomplish

this, it is critical that they be properly planned and prepared or they can

become a liability rather than an asset. The guidelines on these pages are

designed to help you make the most of your visual presentation.

• Text Pointers:

• The text (or word) portion of presentations is used to state facts or

objectives. When lines of text alone do not illustrate your point, a chart,

graph or graphic might be more appropriate.

• Avoid using more than six or seven words (30–40 characters) per line, six

or seven lines per visual. Make sure type is well spaced and not crowded.
• Eliminate words that do not add meaning, for example: the, an, etc.

• Avoid complete sentences. Use bulleted phrases.

• Be consistent in grammatical construction of lists; for example, use

all verbs or use all noun phrases.
• Use 36-point type for all titles, and for the text of visual aids to be
used in very large rooms.
• Use at least 18-point type for the main text in other than the largest
rooms.
• Use bullets at beginning of lines to separate ideas.
Use functions in PowerPoint that allow you to build information,
bullet by bullet, on a slide, to keep the audience from reading ahead.
 Types Of Charts

• A chart is different from a graph. It can be represented in many forms and

is not limited to two-dimensional axes. Charts are used in various branches

of science, mathematics, economics, statistics and research to describe

large data sets in a concise manner. The common types of charts are

• Bar chart

• Pie chart

• Histogram

• Scattered plot chart

• Dot plot chart

• Spider chart or radar chart

• Stock chart

• Candlestick chart

• Flow chart

• Gantt chart

• Waterfall chart

• Hierarchy chart

• Trellis chart

• Area chart

• Venn chart
 Table chart
• A table chart is a way to organize data in rows
and columns. Tables are a common way to
represent data in many types of communication,
including research, data analysis, and print
media, handwritten notes, computer software,
architectural ornamentation, traffic signs and
many other places.
• Pie Chart
• A pie chart used to represent the numerical
proportions of a dataset. This graph involves
dividing a circle into various sectors, where
each sector represents the proportion of a
particular element as a whole. This is also
called a circle chart or circle graph.
• Pie chart

• A pie chart is circular in shape with slices of different sizes. It is mostly used

in marketing. It consists of the value of each variable as a slice of the circle,

and various colours are used to separate the categories. From the area of a

slice, the minimum and maximum values are recognized. Pie charts are more

effective when used in 3D form.

• Histogram

• Histograms are used in statistics, business and economics where numerical

data plays a crucial role. A typical histogram looks like a bar chart. However,

a bar chart provides comparisons of fixed values of a category, while in a

histogram, each bar represents a range of value such as age in the range of 25-

40. Histograms are generally used to summaries big data.

• Dot plot chart

• In a dot plot chart, the values for different variables are represented as

coloured dots instead of bars or lines. The different colours are useful in

dealing with clustered data, quantitative data and continuous sets of values.

These charts have certain limitations when plotting big data sets. In such

cases, a histogram is generally preferred.

• Spider chart or radar chart

• These are also known as web charts, star plots, polar charts and cobweb

charts. A spider chart is a new concept used in sports analysis, intelligent

data and statistics. It consists of more than one graph, which looks like a

cobweb or a spoke of a wheel. A spider chart gives an idea of the

performance of each category in a particular period.

• Stock chart

• Stock charts are used in the share market, where the trading price of a particular stock is

presented over a specific period. Such charts are updated daily to show any positive or

negative changes in all stocks. They are used extensively to perform positional analysis

and prediction in the share market. You can select different stocks and change the period

depending on your preferences of short-term, mid-term or long-term investment goals.

• Candlestick chart

• This chart is also used in share trading. A candlestick chart is similar to a bar chart, but

the graphical representation looks like a candle with wicks on both ends. This chart is

designed to provide information on stocks such as opening price, closing price, high

points, low points and the time frame. The bars are coloured green and red to indicate

whether the closing price of a stock is higher or lower than the opening price,

respectively.
• Flow chart: A flow chart is the graphical representation of a process from the start to its

end. This chart is useful in creating the layout of a process and figuring out any problems

in the logic. Usually, there is a starting point and an endpoint. However, the method may

include more than one position in the beginning or at the end, depending on the

complexity of the process and the logical development. These charts have different

shapes to indicate all the actions and decision points. This method is useful to streamline

the flow of work from the information on the chart and take appropriate measures as

necessary.

• Gantt chart: Gantt charts are used in project management. The progress of each project

in each stage is represented by a bar, and the start dates and end dates are associated with

the length of that bar. Some applications present additional information, such as task

owners, dependencies, number of hours and any annotations or detailed descriptions of

the task. Project managers use such charts to create schedules and plans for multiple

projects.
• Waterfall chart

• A waterfall chart is specifically used in accounting. It only shows positive and negative

values based on sequentially entered data. The chart provides a qualitative analysis of

the impact of an entry or balance on the rest of the accounts. It gives a clear picture of

financial position, profit, loss and income. The change due to a value in a statement is

shown in different colours to highlight them. The chart is helpful in calculating budgets

and expenditures by considering the differences in values over time.

• Hierarchy chart

• In an institution, this chart is essential and widely used. The order of control is plotted in

this chart in an ascending manner. For example, the apex position in a company can be

the general manager, CEO, COO, CFO, CXO and so on. The posts below these might be

regional managers, area managers and assistant managers followed by other human

resources. Such charts are often used in a company's brochure and annual accounts.
• Venn chart

• A Venn diagram is used in mathematics, science and engineering. It is based on

the set theory of segregating and comparing data. Venn diagrams are generally

used to illustrate the logical relationship between two or more variables,

represented by intersecting circles. The common qualities of two variables are in

the intersecting parts of the circles, while differing qualities are outside.

• Scattered plot chart

• A scattered plot chart is used to know the behaviour of dependent data in

response to the behaviour of independent data. The potential relationship

between the two variables are plotted, and the problem is then solved. Scattered

plot charts are used for the comparison of two or more data at a time.
• Block or Process Diagrams

• Block or process diagrams are good for illustrating structural

relationships and designs. Graphics of this type show how each piece

contributes to the whole. Avoid overcrowding. Limit your chart to no

more than 10 simple geometric shapes and titles connected by lines

and arrows.

• One-Line Diagrams

• Papers often contain electrical one-line diagrams which are an integral

part of a technical discussion. You should limit applying these to

needed segments of a system to make them legible to the audience.

 Infographic

• Infographics are a valuable tool for visual communication. An

infographic (information graphic) is a representation of
information in a graphic format designed to make the data easily
understandable at a glance.

• People use infographics to quickly communicate a message,

simplify the presentation of large amounts of data, see data
patterns and relationships, and monitor changes in variables.

• Infographics have become increasingly popular because of their

ability to quickly convey large amounts of information in an
appealing package.
• The process of creating infographics is sometimes referred to as data
visualization. Designers start by researching the topic and gathering data
and then organizing it into a visual format. This can include creating
charts, graphs, maps, timelines or other visuals to help tell the story.

• As infographics' popularity has grown, infographic creators have become

more creative with their designs, using animations and interactive
elements to provide a more engaging experience for viewers.

• Once the infographic is designed, it can be shared with viewers online

via social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, or through
print materials, like brochures and posters.
• Photographs

• Good quality photographic visuals can make a major

contribution to your presentation. Be extra careful with

photographs: they must be very crisp and clear, with high

contrast between light and dark areas. Do not superimpose text

over the image. If text is needed on the visual, it should be

placed in areas that have been cleared of the image. Be sure to

test your photos, projecting them to the size they will be when

used to ensure that they are clear and easily recognizable.

• Presenting Visual Data:

• Your visual presentation should emphasize the most

important points and ideas of your oral presentation.

Use the visuals to reinforce, clarify, illustrate or

highlight individual points. Visuals are illustrating, not

repeating, your presentation. Their purpose is to add

interest and emphasis, not to compete with what you

are saying.
 Purposes of Visual Aids

• To Spark Interest

• Build Emotional Connections

• Clarify Ideas

• Simplify Concepts

• Help to Draw Conclusions

• Increase Understanding

• Enhance Memory
 When to use Visual Aids in Your
Presentation
• To demonstrate a process
• To explain things, we cannot
see
• To provide evidence
• To show comparisons
• To appeal to emotion
• To provide a visual metaphors
 Harms of Poor Visual Aids

• Hurt speaker credibility

• Isolate audience members who

cannot see it

• Distracts the audience

• Information overload

• Technical Difficulties can ruin

the entire presentation
 Demonstrations
Two main purposes:
• Create interest
Launch a cork across the room
during a chemistry experiment

• Show how something is done

Perform CPR

 Tips:

– Make it succinct
– Rehearse Which purpose is served by this
demonstration of a Tesla coil?
– Prepare a backup plan
 Visuals into Reports & Proposals

• The Visual Reports in Project Plan 365 are customizable reports

that include both formatted text and graphics to display

information from a Microsoft Project (.MPP) project file. These

reports provide users with a clear and concise overview of

project status, progress, and performance.

• Visual elements such as graphs, charts, tables, photographs, or

diagrams capture your readers’ attention and help them

understand complicated ideas more fully, such as trends in data

and more.
• Although visuals help you cut down on the amount of
explanation in written text, they do not replace written
text in the presentation of a concept. Instead,
they clarify, illustrate, and augment your written text.
• There are two main categories of visuals, Tables and
Figures. Tables are used to organize, logically present,
and/or compare data in columns and rows, using numbers
and words. Figures, on the other hand, illustrate all other
types of data. Figures include pie charts, line graphs, bar
graphs, layouts, photographs, drawings, and photographs.
 Considering Visuals as Part of the Plan-Create-Revise Process

• You might consider visuals – whether to use them and which kinds to use – at any point

in the process of planning, creating, and revising a communication. If you know at the

start of the process that your audience is unfamiliar with the data you need to present,

you might plan on doing a visual presentation via a graphic in addition to explaining the

data in words. As you create a draft, you might find that you’re writing multiple

paragraphs to explain one concept; it might be useful to consider an appropriate graphic

to allow your audience to visualize and to allow you to cut down on your explanation in

words. As you revise your communication, you may at that point realize that some

information could be emphasized with graphics. Remember that visuals are very useful

communication tools; don’t forget to use them if they are appropriate to your purpose,

audience, and other aspects of your communication situation.

 visual media - social impact

• Define your identity

• The first step to creating a sense of belonging is to define your identity as a

social impact organization. What is your mission, vision, and values? How
do you want to be perceived by your stakeholders? What is your unique
value proposition and impact story? Visual media can help you communicate
your identity in a clear and consistent way. For example, you can use a logo,
a color scheme, a font, and a style guide to create a recognizable visual
brand. You can also use images and videos that showcase your team, your
work, and your achievements. By defining your identity, you can attract and
engage people who resonate with your purpose and culture.
• Understand your audience

• The second step to creating a sense of belonging is to understand your

audience. Who are you trying to reach and influence with your visual
media? What are their needs, interests, and preferences? How do they
consume and respond to visual media? Visual media can help you tailor
your message and tone to your audience. For example, you can use
different types of visual media, such as info graphics, animations,
documentaries, or memes, depending on your audience's demographic,
psychographic, and behavioral characteristics. You can also use visual
media to segment and personalize your communication for different
audience groups. By understanding your audience, you can create visual
media that speaks to their hearts and minds.
• Celebrate diversity

• The fourth step to creating a sense of belonging is to celebrate diversity. How

can you represent and respect the diversity of your audience and the

communities you serve? How can you acknowledge and address the challenges

and opportunities that diversity brings? How can you promote inclusion and

equity in your visual media? Visual media can help you celebrate diversity in

multiple ways. For example, you can use images and videos that feature diverse

people, cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can also use visual media

to highlight the stories and voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups.

You can also use visual media to challenge stereotypes and biases and to

advocate for social justice. By celebrating diversity, you can create a sense of

respect and solidarity among your audience.

• Invite participation

• The third step to creating a sense of belonging is to invite participation. How

can you involve your audience in your visual media creation and distribution?

How can you encourage them to share their feedback, stories, and ideas? How

can you co-create and collaborate with them? Visual media can help you

invite participation in various ways. For example, you can use social media

platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, to invite your audience to

create and share user-generated content related to your social impact. You can

also use online tools, such as surveys, polls, quizzes, or contests, to collect

and display your audience's opinions and inputs. By inviting participation,

you can create a sense of ownership and empowerment among your audience.
• Build trust

• The fifth step to creating a sense of belonging is to build trust. How can you

establish and maintain trust with your audience and the communities you

serve? How can you demonstrate your credibility, transparency, and

accountability? How can you show your impact and value? Visual media can

help you build trust in several ways. For example, you can use images and

videos that show the real and authentic aspects of your social impact work.

You can also use visual media to share your successes and failures, your

learnings and improvements, and your feedback and recognition. You can also

use visual media to show the evidence and data that support your impact

claims and goals. By building trust, you can create a sense of confidence and

loyalty among your audience.

• Cultivate relationships

• The sixth and final step to creating a sense of belonging is to cultivate relationships.

How can you nurture and sustain long-term relationships with your audience and

the communities you serve? How can you create a sense of community and

connection among them? How can you show your appreciation and gratitude?

Visual media can help you cultivate relationships in various ways. For example,

you can use images and videos that express your values and emotions, such as joy,

gratitude, compassion, or empathy. You can also use visual media to acknowledge

and celebrate your audience's contributions and achievements. You can also use

visual media to create opportunities for dialogue and interaction, such as live

streams, webinars, or podcasts. By cultivating relationships, you can create a sense

of belonging and commitment among your audience.

 Some key points to remember when
preparing your visuals:

• Simplicity is a key to gaining your audience’s attention and

retaining their interest.

• Focus on one idea at a time. To include three or four ideas in a

single visual usually detracts from your presentation and is apt

to confuse your audience.

• Do not repeat the text of your presentation word-for-word on the

visual.
• Keep statements simple and to the point, using key words and phrases.

• Use only essential information which supports your statements; for

example, do not project all the statistics you are using. Pick only the key

ones.

• Experiment with a variety of layouts to determine the most effective

ones. Remember that people retain information best through a picture or

a chart rather than words.

• Consider audience size. Visuals must be prepared properly so that they

are clear to even those at the back of a large room.

• Consider handing out copies of your visual presentation. Be sure to have

sufficient quantity available for your audience.

 General Guidelines:

Keep it simple. It is easier for the audience if you use three simple

visuals than a single complex one.

• Keep your audience in mind when designing your visual aids. What

terminology will they understand? What examples have meaning for

them?

• Proofread very carefully. Try to have someone else proof in addition to

yourself. It is hard to overlook errors when they are magnified in front of

an audience. Remember, even a small error in such a focal part of your

program can undermine the credibility of your entire presentation.

• Fonts should be clear and easy to read. Use Helvetica or
similar sans serif fonts. Decorative fonts are not recommended.
Use only one typeface per visual. Add variety by using different
sizes and bolding title lines.

• Colored fonts should have a dark background (dark blue is

best) with primary titles in either yellow or white and secondary
titles in the remaining color. Details should be shown in clear
bright, light contrasting colors. Use no more than three colors
per visual.

• Avoid using shades of the background color for titles or

details.
• Avoid commercial endorsements. A photograph of apparatus which
incidentally includes a trade name is allowed, but a table comparing
attributes of identified vendor’s products will not be allowed. There is
much gray area in between these two examples; discuss any concerns
you may have with your session chair. The
display of the logo of the company with which you are associated is
restricted for use to the first and last PowerPoint slides or visuals
(usually the title slide). This restriction applies to logos of educational
institutions as well.

• Test your presentation ahead of time. Make sure it is easy to read

from an appropriate distance, and that everything is in the proper order.
 Conclusion
• Visual Media can be a very powerful tool to enhance
the impact of your presentations.
• Visual media, such as images, videos, and graphics, can
be powerful tools for social impact. They can convey
complex messages, evoke emotions, and inspire action.
• Words and images presented in different formats can
appeal directly to your audience's imagination, adding
power to your spoken words.