1. Questions about Visuals
How much of the information we encounter is communicated through visuals—images of some kind?
Where do we encounter visuals?

2. Visual Literacy Ability to understand visual communication
Ability to use visuals to communicate with others

3. What advantages do visuals provide?
Draw attention to important information.
Reduce and break up monotony of text.
Clarify ideas.

4. Categories of Visuals Tables Graphs—Line Graphs, Bar Graphs
Charts—Flow Charts, Organizational Charts, Circle Charts
Illustrations—Photographs, Drawings, Diagrams

5. Principles for Effective Use of Visuals
Number and title every visual in your document sequentially.
Discuss visuals first in the text of your document.
Present all visuals in an appealing manner.
Clearly label all elements and provide a key when necessary.

6. Use the reader’s point of view for visuals that accompany instructions.
Never omit or manipulate information.
Avoid mechanical errors.
Avoid cluttering the document with unnecessary graphics.