Using graphics and visuals

Why are graphics important? Catch reader’s attention and interest Help communicate info that is difficult to communicate with words Clarify and emphasize information Help nonnative speakers of English understand info Communicate info to multiple audiences with different interests, aptitudes, and reading habits.

What are the benefits of graphics? Demonstrate logical and numerical relationships. Can communicate spatial information more effectively than words alone. Communicate steps in a process more effectively. Can save space.

What should you consider when creating graphics? Your audience. Your purpose. The kind of info you want to communicate.

What are the characteristics of effective graphics? Should serve a purpose: don’t include a graphic unless it helps readers understand or remember information. Should be simple and uncluttered: 2-dimension graphs are easier to understand than 3-dimenion graphs Should present a manageable amount of info Should meet readers’ expectations Should be clearly labeled

How should you ethically present graphics? If you did not create the graphic or generate the data, cite your source. Represent quantities honestly: start axes at zero or a clearly marked equal starting point Show items like they really are: don’t manipulate images to mislead the reader. Do not use color or shading to misrepresent an item’s importance.

How should you integrate graphics and text? Place the graphic in the appropriate location: If the readers need the graphic to understand some info, place it right after the info. If not essential, place graphic in an appendix. Intro the graphic in text: refer to a graphic before it appears. Graphics are labeled as figures and numbered (figure 2) and visuals are labeled as image (image 5). Explain the graphic in text: state what you want your readers to learn from it. Make graphic clearly visible: distinguish from the text around it by using white space or rules (lines).