Using Images to Set the Stage to Captivate Your Audience

There are so many communications competing for our attention.  Phone calls, e-mails, meetings, websites,Tweets, blogs, Social Media updates, and YouTube Videos, just to name a few.  With all this competition, and little time, readers are, in a word, picky.  If your content isn’t interesting or doesn’t “grab” your reader immediately, you’ve lost an opportunity to have your message heard.

Studies show that we have about 3 seconds (yes, that’s one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand) to make an impression.

How can you get readers to stay and read your content?  Aside from a great title that promises something your reader is actually interested in knowing, you have at your disposal the powerful tool of imagery to attract and engage your readers and set the stage for your communication.

We are visually stimulated creatures.  We remember images and emotions more than the words we hear.  As I like to tell my husband, many of us are distracted (or attracted) by bright, shiny objects.  This gives us as bloggers, communicators, teachers and speakers a great opportunity to captivate an audience by simply using the right images.  Yes, you can hold someone’s attention beyond that critical three seconds.  You can make him or her interested in what you have to say,  and want to hear more by using images as a tool. Interested? I’ll tell you how.

Use an images in EVERY communication

If you are giving a speech or facilitating a class, start and/or end your talk with an image that conveys the overall feeling or theme that you want to leave with your audience.  If your mode of communication is written, choose an image that supports the title or evokes the emotional response that you want your readers. to experience.   This is great whether your communication is a blog, newsletter or e-mail.

Use Photos For Greater Impact

Photos make the message real and connect your reader to the content.  Unless your business is comics and animation, avoid using clip art.  Of course if a cartoon or comic is the best illustration to prove your point, use it.   Photos have the feel of authenticity, real-life  and professionalism that make your communications look more crisp and well thought out.  Be sure to use professionally taken photos when possible or great camera ready copy.  There are several FREE resources for stock imagery to use.  Do a keyword search on your topic highlights and find the best image that conveys the meaning you want for your communication. Here’s a list of 100 Free and Legal Sources for Free Stock Images from VirtualHosting.com.

Lead with Your Image (After a GREAT Title and Content)

After creating your great communication and coming up with an awesome title, lead with your image.  Just as when you meet someone face to face, you only have a few seconds to make a first impression. Lead with a great photo that supports your message, evokes an emotional response and keeps your readers interested in what you have to say.

Of course, it goes without saying that you have to have good content, or no matter what, audiences may give you that second chance to make an impression.  But with good images that look professional, clean and well thought out, it conveys to your audience that you take your message as seriously as you’d like them to.  It’s a simple way to make a great impression.