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Guest post by: Milly Sonneman Become an Author

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"I'm a numbers guy." "I don't think pictures do justice to my data."

"I'm not charismatic in front of groups."

Hey, I get it.

Visual storytelling might look like a passing trend. Hang out long enough and it may just pass on by.

Whoops.

Not likely.

Visual storytelling is HOT. And it's just getting hotter.

Here's why: people like to see pictures and understand by seeing, feeling and engaging. If you are serious about connecting with your audience, then visual storytelling is #1 on your list for must-have skills.

How can you become a better...even world-class visual storyteller?

Use these 3-rules to get on track to engaging your audience.

Rule 1. The Rule of Thirds

Visual impact increases when you divide the frame into thirds. For instance, look at your slides. Focus on the middle third. Leave the rest blank. See how much more impact your message has?

You can play with this in any third of the frame. Bottom third. Top third. Left hand third. Right hand third.

And this rule works for pictures, slides, video and printed media.

Rule 2. The Rule of Picture + Word

Show and tell your message. Show the picture. Show the caption. Tell the essence.

This rule is super important. Do not rely on pictures alone to tell your story. Not everyone in your audience will understand. By the same token, don't rely exclusively on words. All the visual communicators in your audience will check out.

Rule 3. The Rule of Less

Less is more effective. Less information. Less text. Less pictures. Less slides. Less talking at your audience.

The more you focus on one message for your visual story, the more memorable you will be.

When you look at these 3 Rules, what pops out? Hey, I know. They aren't so tough to do. They don't cost an arm and a leg. And they don't have to take more time.

Well, you'd think. But if you've ever attempted to say everything you want to with these rules, you'll know the rock-solid truth. Telling compelling visual stories takes practice, training and coaching.

It isn't as easy as you'd think to do more with less. Especially if your personal preference is numbers, data and words. However, with the right training and tools, it's easier and much more effective.

If telling visual stories is on your wishlist, grab a spot in a Visual Storytelling webinar. You'll get hands-on help, proven tips, and reliable storyboards to plan a persuasive visual story in record time.

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