An introduction to the use of graphics and visuals in technical writing including when and how to use charts and graphs and how to describe them.

1. Graphics
and Visuals
Graphics
and Visuals
Introduction to

2. Why use visuals
When to use visuals
How to use visuals
Types of visuals to use
Agenda

3. 1. Understand the role of visuals in
technical communication.
2. Determine when to use visuals
3. Select the right visuals
4. Increase the appeal and effectiveness of
visuals
Learning Outcomes

4. Why Visuals are
Important

5. Readers want more than just
raw information.

6. They want the information
shaped and enhanced
so they can understand the
information at a glance.

7. Visuals help readers
understand which information
is important, what they
should focus on.

8. The trend in this graph would be difficult to
visualize if it was just a set of numbers.

9. When to
Use Visuals

10. You should use visuals when
they can make your point more
clearly than written words.

11. Use visuals to clarify and
support your discussion and
direct your readers’ attention.

12. Types of
Visuals

13. Tables
Display organized data across columns
and rows for easy comparison.

14. Translate numbers into
shapes, shades and patterns.
Charts and Graphs

15. Rely on pictures rather than data
or words.
Graphics and Illustrations

16. Using Visuals
Professionally

17. Regardless of the type of graphic,
there are certain requirements
that always apply:

18. Regardless of the type of graphic,
there are certain requirements
that always apply:
Use a number and title for each
graphic and make sure you refer to
it by its number.

19. Regardless of the type of graphic,
there are certain requirements
that always apply:
Keep the design easy to read and
understand.

20. Regardless of the type of graphic,
there are certain requirements
that always apply:
Label all parts of the visual.

21. Regardless of the type of graphic,
there are certain requirements
that always apply:
Place the visual near the text it is
helping to describe.

22. Regardless of the type of graphic,
there are certain requirements
that always apply:
Cite your sources.

23. Describing
Visuals

24. We use visuals to make the
information easy to
process.

25. So when we write about the
information, we don’t have
to mention everything.

26. Start by referring to the
graphic by its number and
state what it shows.

27. Then explain the main idea
the audience should take
from the graphic.

28. Follow that up with more
detailed information.

29. Finally, remind the audience of
the message you want them to
take away.

31. main idea

32. main idea
details

33. main idea
details
reminder

34. REVIEW