Introduction to Graphic Aids

Graphic Aids: 

Graphic Aids

Slide2: 

Any pictorial representation. The pictures of technical communication: Your final report must have at least two visual aids.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE GRAPHIC AIDS: 

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE GRAPHIC AIDS Clear and understandable alone on the page Meaningfully related to rest of document

APPROPRIATE TO THE WRITING SITUATION: 

APPROPRIATE TO THE WRITING SITUATION Which type would be most appropriate?

LABELED COMPLETELY: 

LABELED COMPLETELY A brief, informative title. All parts labeled, including units of measurement. Lines should be labeled. Source of information should be cited.

APPROPRIATE LOCATION: 

APPROPRIATE LOCATION To understand the discussion, directly after the pertinent point--or as soon as possible. If the point is clear and the graphic merely supports or elaborates, in appendix.

INTEGRATE IN TEXT: 

INTEGRATE IN TEXT Involves two steps: Introduce the graphic: Explain the graphic:

TYPES OF GRAPHIC AIDS: 

TYPES OF GRAPHIC AIDS Dozens of types Some companies have graphic artists that do nothing but create the graphics. Two basic types: Tables Figures

Slide9: 

Imagine if you were presented with this information: In 1900 pneumonia and influenza accounted for 11.8% of all deaths, heart disease for 8.0%, cardiovascular for 6.2%, all accidents for 4.2% and cancer for 3.7%. In 1960 pneumonia and influenza claimed 3.5%, heart disease 38.7%, cardiovascular for 11.3, accidents for 5.5, and cancer 15.6. In 1980 pneumonia and influenza accounted for 5.4%, heart disease for 30.5%, cardiovascular for 10.5%, accidents for 5.7, and cancer for 12.5%. What conclusions would you draw?

Causes of Death: 1900, 1960, and 1980: 

Causes of Death: 1900, 1960, and 1980

Remember--: 

Remember-- Document your sources. Any visual aid other than a table is categorized as a figure and listed separately in the table of contents