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Combat Information Overload with Visuals
July 2009 | Volume 7 Issue 7
The proliferation of communication channels through which we can consume information has led to more frequent interruptions and an increase in information overload. How can communicators possibly get their messages heard? In this issue of CW Bulletin, our experts offer tips on how to use visual methods of communication—from diagrams and graphs that communicate complex issues simply and quickly, to web site graphics that grab your audience’s attention—to combat overload and ensure your messages are heard and understood.
Natasha Nicholson
Executive Editor
Amanda Aiello
Associate Editor |
Features
INFORMATION OVERLOAD
by Jeanne Mengis and Martin J. Eppler
In an environment increasingly overloaded with information from web sites, blogs and e-mails, it becomes ever more challenging for communicators to make their messages heard, understood and remembered. In this article, we look at how business communicators can successfully communicate their messages without contributing to the problem of information overload.
USING VISUALS
by Paula Cassin
As communicators, we’re faced with a dilemma: Most of us are not graphic designers or “data visualization” specialists. Most of us also don’t have the resources to hire these specialists for every communication project, and we don’t have much in the way of time. But there are a few ways to quickly create visual aids that can be used in most communication vehicles.
ONLINE VISUALS
by Tim Ernst, ABC
As a visual medium, the Web offers communicators the unique challenge of saying in an image what it would take the proverbial 1,000 words to accomplish. It’s not always easy for communicators to find the proper balance of visuals and text that brings a web site’s look and feel to life, and more important, meets its business objectives. Here are some tips on how to do both.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
by Sheila Parry
Images play a vital role in allowing us to interpret messages quickly, and in aiding memory. Since the role of internal communication is to help employees understand and believe in their organization’s strategy, using high-impact visuals to explain messages plays a big part in achieving those objectives.
Columns
Are Appearances All that Count? Maybe not, but formatting sure can help
by Natalie Canavor and Claire Meirowitz
In today’s business communication world, speed is everything. Unfortunately, our writing strategies haven’t caught up with the need for speed that an overload environment demands. But we won’t whine about how businesspeople should write better in this particular column. We want to talk about a really easy way to make your everyday communications clearer and easier to absorb: Use formatting and graphic approaches.
Social (Media) Awkwardness
by Jay Averill
There was a time when the risk of experiencing socially awkward moments was confined to when we were outside our homes and actually socializing. With a bevy of social media tools now at our disposal, those nervous and uncomfortable moments that were once the exclusive domain of networking events, office cocktail parties, and high school reunions are brought straight into our homes, offices, and mobile devices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- “‘Super-Mortgage’ Campaign,” Tap Communications Inc. and Synergy Credit Union
- “Idearc Media 2008 Enrollment Campaign,” PartnerComm Inc. and Idearc Media
- “My IT News,” Cisco Systems Inc.
Communication in the News
Related Resources provides additional articles and resources for understanding this month’s topic of combating information overload with visuals. You can also find some of these links alongside each corresponding feature article for quick reference. Links include:
- “Are Your Visuals Saying What You Want?” by Christine Martell
- “Overcome Information Overload with Mind Maps,” by Bill Mann
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This issue sponsored by:
Walden University is an accredited online institution that for more than 38 years has provided an engaging learning experience for working professionals. Our mission attracts extraordinary professionals, all sharing a common desire to make a positive social impact.
The College of Management and Technology offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs including a B.S. in Communication, M.B.A., M.S. in Leadership and Doctor of Business Administration.
Interested in sponsoring an issue of CW Bulletin? Find out how to become a sponsor. |
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