I
respond best to visual communication. I feel that because I avoid confrontation
at all costs, that when communicating with others, short and simple works best
with me. If I get into a conversation that starts to get confrontational, using
an image to express what I am trying to say often works much better with me.
With
the use of symbols and images, people are often able to get their message
across to others in a direct way. Sometimes people have trouble expressing what
they are trying to say especially when it is a conversation or topic that may
not be so easily expressed in words. Some are better at communicating with
words and others with visuals. These visuals can include text as well.
I
have found that on social media websites such as Facebook and Instagram, people
post Memes which are often humorous images with text and images that spread on
the internet to get a certain point or idea across to others. Instead of
arguing about a topic such as police brutality for example, which has been in
the midst of many debates around the world, posting a Meme or image with text
involved, could cause a much better reaction and may even change someone’s
opinion. Visuals can speak louder than spoken words.
Instagram is a company that is all about
visual communication. Users communicate with others by uploading and sharing
videos and pictures that express views, opinions, thoughts, emotions/feelings,
etc. Visuals are what drive this website and make it different from other
social media websites.
The
Nike brand is also huge on visual communication. The check mark symbol is used
to represent the Nike brand which is connected to their slogan "Just do
it." The brand and slogan appeals to athletes and everyone around the world
because this symbol and slogan is tied directly to the Nike brand that is so
widely advertised. This symbol is so visually appealing because the check mark
is used to represent checking something off a to-do-list for example and the
slogan "just do it" is a motivational tactic. This motivation is tied
directly to athletes because the Nike brand sells mostly athletic wear.
McDonalds
is another company that uses symbolic means to attract customers to their
business. The big "M" is so widely recognized around the world.
People could see this symbol on a sign driving by on the highway or from miles
away in the distance and instantly recognize that McDonalds is near. The
colors that are used to advertise McDonalds are mainly yellow and red. Mustard
and ketchup are used as condiments. By using these visual colors, consumers don’t
even realize that this technique causes their brain to crave McDonalds.
There's a method behind the madness that is advertising. Whether visually or spoken
communication, the method is designed to draw you in as consumers to buy or use
a product. By becoming educated on how this is done, the more control you start
to have over others minds.
