How can visual storytelling make complex information accessible in a responsible way?

Visual storytelling is a powerful technique to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging way. Whether you use graphs, charts, icons, images, videos, or animations, you can use visual elements to tell a story that captures the attention and emotions of your audience. However, visual storytelling also comes with ethical and professional responsibilities. How can you make sure that your visuals are accurate, fair, and respectful of your sources and your viewers? Here are some tips to help you create visual stories that are both accessible and responsible.

1 Choose the right visuals for your purpose

The first step to create a visual story is to define your purpose and your audience. What message do you want to convey? What action do you want to inspire? Who are you talking to? Depending on your answers, you will need to choose the most appropriate visuals to support your story. For example, if you want to show trends or comparisons, you might use a line chart or a bar chart. If you want to illustrate a process or a sequence, you might use a flowchart or a timeline. If you want to evoke emotions or feelings, you might use photos or illustrations. Always keep in mind the context and the expectations of your audience, and avoid using visuals that are irrelevant, misleading, or confusing.

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Shadrach Kambai, MBA

Flight Operations Consultant| Aviation Data Analytics| Author: Skybound Harmony| CEO Cliqjets
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Keep visuals clear and direct, ensuring the accurate representation of complex information's primary objectives without ambiguity.

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Farhan Ahmed

Google Project Management Professional
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Maybe you love Robert Frost (an American poet) as I do. Here is his famous quote I want to share with you. "The purpose of a speaker is not to make a speech, but to make an idea leap from mind to mind." How you can do it by knowing the "Why" and "Who". The "Why": Define Your Purpose Do you want to inform, persuade, or inspire? The "Who": Know Your Audience: Who are you talking to, their expectations, and potential biases?

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Rodrigo V.

Gerente Regional | Gestão de resultados | Operações | Vendas | Farma | Alimentar | Construção Varejo | Atacado
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Você conseguirá transmitir sua mensagem de forma mais persuasiva explorando elementos visuais que façam seu público entrar em cena é vivenciar o momento narrado. Para isso acontecer é realmente necessário dedicar um tempo para escolher estes elementos e apresentar de forma cadenciada ao público. Claro, uma fala eloquente com o tom de voz necessário para cada fase da história somado a uma boa apresentação visual irá transformar seu público passivo em admiradores do seu trabalho. Na sua próxima apresentação, capriche nos detalhes!

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2 Use data and evidence wisely

Visual storytelling is not just about aesthetics, it is also about credibility. If you use data or evidence to support your story, you need to make sure that they are accurate, reliable, and transparent. This means that you should always cite your sources, provide context and explanations, and acknowledge any limitations or uncertainties. You should also avoid manipulating or distorting data to fit your narrative, or using data that are outdated, incomplete, or biased. For example, if you use a pie chart, you should make sure that the slices add up to 100%, that the labels are clear and consistent, and that the colors are not arbitrary or misleading. If you use a map, you should make sure that the projection and the scale are appropriate and accurate, and that the regions and boundaries are not distorted or disputed.

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Farhan Ahmed

Google Project Management Professional
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The weight of data and evidence. Ensure your sources are credible, reputable research papers or official statistics. Provide context, the surrounding landscape that gives meaning to your chosen figures and facts. The VERY important point here is; Let the data speak for itself, even if it challenges your initial hypothesis. Remember, honesty, not confirmation bias, is the storyteller's true weapon.

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3 Respect diversity and inclusion

Visual storytelling is not only about facts, it is also about values. If you use visuals that represent people, cultures, or issues, you need to make sure that they are respectful, inclusive, and diverse. This means that you should avoid using visuals that are stereotypical, offensive, or insensitive, or that exclude or marginalize certain groups or perspectives. You should also consider the implications and the impact of your visuals on your audience, and how they might affect their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors. For example, if you use photos or videos of real people, you should make sure that you have their consent, that you protect their privacy and dignity, and that you reflect their diversity and authenticity. If you use icons or symbols, you should make sure that they are culturally appropriate and universally understood.

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4 Seek feedback and improvement

Visual storytelling is not a one-time activity, it is a continuous process. If you want to create visual stories that are accessible and responsible, you need to seek feedback and improvement. This means that you should test your visuals with your intended audience, or with experts or peers, and ask for their opinions, suggestions, or criticisms. You should also monitor and evaluate the results and the outcomes of your visual stories, and see how they perform, how they are received, and how they are shared. You should also be open to learning from your mistakes, and to adapting or changing your visuals if needed. For example, if you use a website or a platform to share your visual stories, you should make sure that they are user-friendly, responsive, and accessible, and that you update them regularly and fix any errors or issues.

Visual storytelling can make complex information accessible in a responsible way, if you follow these tips and best practices. By choosing the right visuals for your purpose, using data and evidence wisely, respecting diversity and inclusion, and seeking feedback and improvement, you can create visual stories that are clear, engaging, and trustworthy, and that can inform, inspire, or influence your audience.

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Farhan Ahmed

Google Project Management Professional
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"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates, philosopher Listen to diverse perspectives – peers, experts, and, most importantly, your intended audience. Their "nothingness," their gaps in understanding and become invitations to refine your message.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can visual storytelling make complex information accessible in a responsible way?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose the right visuals for your purpose

2 Use data and evidence wisely

3 Respect diversity and inclusion

4 Seek feedback and improvement

5 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

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How can visual storytelling make complex information accessible in a responsible way?

1

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3

4

5

1 Choose the right visuals for your purpose

2 Use data and evidence wisely

3 Respect diversity and inclusion

4 Seek feedback and improvement

5 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

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