We all know the power of a simple picture to convey much more than a few words. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pictures for your tenders and proposals.
Pictures may convey a “thousand words” - but not necessarily the same thousand words to everyone.
Pictures are not just photos and drawings. Pictures also include:
- diagrams
- flowcharts
- graphs
- timelines
- video.
Photos
Beware the possibility of photos sending mixed messages.
Keep photos simple. And, don’t use photos which aren’t yours to use.
Remember the example of a truck on the open road versus that same truck on a crowded city street - or loaded with animals heading for the abattoirs.
Drawings
Line drawings can work well. But, avoid clip art which is both overused and misused.
Diagrams
Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.
Then, it can work like magic !
Flowcharts
Again, simplify.
When you do, a flowchart shows you’re fully in touch with the “big picture” and helps your reader navigate through complex detail.
Graphs
Whether bar chart, pie chart, or trend line, a simple uncluttered graph can make great impact and get a clear message across.
Be careful to sensibly calibrate your graph, and keep the visuals clutter-free.
Timelines
A simple timeline helps communicate a sequence of tasks.
A Gantt chart is the right way to show multiple and overlapping project steps.
Video
This is very tricky to find and handle unless you’re really experienced with it and a sophisticated visual communicator.
Keep it ultra simple
Simplicity helps by:
- improving impact
- removing the eye clutter
- making it look easy and appealing to the reader
focusing on your key message.
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