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When it comes to communication, we strive to be as effective as possible. Especially when we are doing so in an academic setting. Institutions like the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) are dedicated to making sure that we utilize the best tools and technology as a way to communicate with students and community members alike. This guide will go over seven visual storytelling tips that will make communication more effective.
Visuals can help enhance the storytelling experience for both the presenter and spectators alike. Let’s talk more about how it can all be possible more times over.
1. The Use of High Quality Visuals
One of the centerpieces of visual storytelling are visuals that are high in quality. Make sure that they are high-resolution, clear, and well designed. These visuals include but are not limited to images, diagrams, and infographics – all will be useful for the purpose of helping your presentation become more understandable to your audience. If you plan on using images and don’t want the background to be distracting, using a tool like Canva’s image background remover will come in handy.
Make sure that the tools you use will be sharp and presentable. At the same time, make sure that it is relevant so it can serve a purpose. The last thing you should deal with is clutter, so make sure your visuals are organized and less distracting.
2. Simplifying Complex Data with Visuals
Staying on topic with visuals, it’s always a good idea to look at data using them. Especially when it can be used for displaying your findings from complex research. Charts, graphs, and maps will be some of these examples that contain large datasets that can be converted into a format that is digestible and easy to understand. Make it as simple as possible so your audience maintains engagement as opposed to feeling overwhelmed.
Simplification will be your best friend when it comes to presenting your findings. Again, organization and less clutter will be important so that the data is easy to read and understand.
3. Leverage Storyboarding for Better Structure
When it comes to presentations for research findings, storyboarding might be useful here. This type of storytelling comes from the film industry. The purpose here is allowing presenters to organize and streamline the layers of the story into something that is more coherent for the visual narrative they want to create. Start by correctly identifying the main points of the research you intend to highlight.
From there, arrange them in a logical flow so that each “scene” of your storyboard should be built upon the preceding scenes. Be sure to review your storyboard regularly prior to presenting as a way to make sure everything is arranged properly and flowing like it should.
4. Remove Distracting Backgrounds
As we’ve mentioned earlier, distracting backgrounds will pull the audience’s attention away from what really matters most. We mentioned that Canva’s background removal tool will come in handy – so make sure you use that to your advantage. Cleaning up your visuals to make them look less distracting will be critical.
Be sure to review your visuals wisely on a regular basis. Especially if you are preparing the presentation ahead of time.
5. Incorporate Narrative Elements into Your Visuals
Your visual presentations should be well-structured in a way where the story maintains its cohesiveness. At the same time, you want the viewers to be able to feel like they are being gently led from one concept to another with the help of clear transitions.
It’s always important to make sure that you implement narrative techniques like sequential visuals or flowcharts that will help make the process or timeline clear and understandable at each stage.
6. Utilize Color Strategically for Better Retention
Color can be perhaps one of the elements that you’ll want to pay attention to. It can enhance the storytelling and influence how the audience can interpret your message. What you also need to be aware of is that it requires strategic use – including how it can be employed for highlighting key points, distinguishing datasets, and much more. If done correctly, you can be able to retain your audience more.
7. Personalize Your Visuals
Last but not least, make sure you personalize your visuals accordingly. The intent here is making your work memorable and tied to your “personal brand” so to speak. This can include the consistent style you keep for your diagrams, illustrations, graphs, and more. So long as they resonate with your research theme, it will leave that lasting impact.
Final Thoughts
Implementing the visual storytelling aspects of your presentation will be an excellent addition. Especially when you want to retain the audience and emphasize the key points of your research. By using these seven tips we’ve just listed out, you can be able to make every presentation stand out every time you do a research project and present its findings.