Visual communication is a kind of non-verbal communication. When communication occurs by means of any visual aid, it is known as visual communication.
Thus, communication that occurs through facial expression, personal appearance, gesture, posture, printed picture, sign, signal, symbol, map, poster, slide, chart, diagram, graph etc. is called visual communication.
Through visual communication people ca easily exchange information among themselves without uttering or writing any word or making any sound. When the receivers are illiterate or incapable to see the written message or to hear and understand the meaning of oral communication, visual mode of communication is effective there.
For example, to indicate ‘danger’, we use red sign; to mean ‘dangerous’, we use a skull placed between two pieces of bone put in crosswise fashion; to indicate ‘no smoking’,
We use an image showing a lighted cigarette with a cross mark on it.
But visual communication alone is not enough. It can be used to indicate some elementary and simple ideas, orders, or warnings. It can be effectively used in combination with other media.
Guidelines of Visual Presentation or, Considerable Factors of Visual Presentation
Visual presentation means linear presentation of any abstract form or of any reality. Any message becomes more attractive and livelier when it is presented visually.
The following points are to be considered in selecting the proper visual aids:
Simplicity
Whatever the visual aid is in use. It should be simple and easy. The readers amy not understand the message when they are presented in a complex tool.
Careful use
Now a day, various types of visual aids have been evolved. So, utmost care should be taken in selecting the appropriate and relevant technique for presenting data.
Placement Of The Aids
The visual should be placed closely to the paragraphs of written message where the subject is discussed. In oral presentation, the visual aids should be introduced at the time when the speech is delivered.
Introduction And Interpretation Of Visual Aids
The visuals should be introduced to the readers as briefly as possible. An interpretation of the visuals should be enclosed in order to make that visuals clearer to the readers or audiences.
Expression Of Figure: Rounded off figures should be presented in the visuals. Occasionally, figures are presented in percentage of value instead of their original form.
Selecting The Appropriate Aids
Different types of visuals are suitable for presenting different types of data. For example, outline charts are suitable for prose overviews; Bar charts are ideal for comparing two or more set of data etc.
Size
The size of the visuals should be such that the readers can observe and distinguish them easily.
Humorous Presentation
Considering the importance of message, nature of the readers and the degree of formality, the message should be presented in a humorous, interesting and colorful way.
For Example, colourful, fascinating and attractive pictures, maps and figures are used in children’s books and in the booklets for increasing social awareness.
Read Also: Visual Communication Examples.
Read Also: Medias or ways or forms of visual communication.