It's heartening to me, how much more people seem to be appreciating the importance of good communication.
And not just because that's my career!
Effective messaging really can make the difference between success and failure for a business, an idea, even a government policy.
But one critical area of communications is often overlooked, and I want to set that right now.
Much because it's finally Freedom Day, when we can cast off most of the shackles the pandemic has inflicted upon us.
During the first months of Covid, I began a photo diary of its dreadful impact.
Why photos, rather than words?
For the old reason, that sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and some of the things I saw had to be captured to be believed.
I haven't wanted to revisit the diary, for obvious reasons.
The impact of the pandemic was something which happened, which needed recording, but which was best forgotten.
Now though, with freedom finally beckoning, it feels the right time to explore the power of pictures in communication and storytelling.
The Picture That Tells The Story
This is the gold standard in visual storytelling, the picture that says it all in a single shot.
Always look out for such examples, as they're so powerful.
Like the one I've included in this blog, from a sunshine day in May 2020, at the height of lockdown.
King's College in the centre of Cambridge would usually be packed with people, but on this occasion..
It was just a pair ducks, and I could have sworn they were wondering where everyone had gone.
Smartphone Photography Storytelling
Smartphones are so very smart that they make photography simple.
It's usually just a case of point and shoot.
Given you're not using film, and if the picture doesn't come out right you can just delete it, why not get into the habit of taking photos?
Whether it's for a blog, a presentation, or a social media post, photos greatly enhance your storytelling.
The empty shelves of the first round of panic buying is an example.
Remember those?
Particularly - bizarrely - on the loo roll front.
If you get into the habit of taking photos, you'll always have them at your disposal (excuse the toilet pun, apologies!)
Personally, I used to hate it when I was putting together a blog, or lecture, and thought:
- If only I'd taken a photo of that. It would have been perfect here.
That's not something I suffer with any longer, now I'm a compulsive photographer!
And I've been grateful many times for my sizeable photo library.
Smartphone Photography Tricks
Finally, a couple of thoughts to help make your pictures better.
Firstly, on composition, or how they look.
If you haven't heard of the rule of thirds, it's a great help.
In essence, imagine dividing up the screen into horizontal and vertical thirds.
Now position the main features of your picture on those thirds, and generally it will look good.
You can also focus the picture where you want.
Just tap the screen. See that box that appears?
Hold your finger in there for a couple of seconds, and hey presto!
That's the focus point.
You can even amend the exposure, by brushing your finger up or down on the sun symbol next to the box.
Phones tend to focus and expose for faces, but sometimes you might want to override that, and these tips can help.
I hope this little musing has helped demonstrate the power of pictures as part of your communications toolkit.
They also have the added advantage of something to bore your children with, as poor Niamh, my long suffering daughter, knows all too well!