Chapter 10Graphics and Visual Aids

Business Communication

Copyright 2010 South-Western Cengage Learning

The Importance of Graphics and Visual AidsVisual aids help receivers understand data or

conceptsObjectsPictures or drawingsPosters or charts

GraphicsTablesCharts

210.1 Using Graphics and Visual Aids

© Dmitriy Shironosov / Shutterstock

Visual aids can help readers and listeners understand a message.

Placing Visual AidsIn the document bodyIn an appendixReference statementsClip artTables

310.1 Using Graphics and Visual Aids

Clip art is a drawing or image that has been saved as an electronic file.

Identifying Visual AidsNumbering systemTitles for visual aidsSource lines

410.1 Using Graphics and Visual Aids

Choosing the Correct Visual AidsTablesOrganization chartsFlowchartsPie chartsLine charts

Bar chartsColumn chartsMapsPhotographsDrawings

510.1 Using Graphics and Visual Aids

Clip Art

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Clip art is available onlineSearch for free clip artQuestions1.What type of clip art is provided on the site?2.What, if any, restrictions are placed on how the

clip art may be used?

school.cengage.com/bcomm/buscomm

10.1 Using Graphics and Visual Aids

Reading ChartsCharts in reports or other documentsUnderstanding the parts of a chart Pie chart: shows the relationship of a part

to a wholeColumn, bar, and line charts: show a

comparison of items or over timeLegend: identifies the items the columns,

bars, or lines represent

710.1 Using Graphics and Visual Aids

Creating Graphics ElectronicallyWord processing programs

Clip artTable styles

Spreadsheet programsPrograms for creating/editing photos and

graphics

810.2 Developing Graphics

Tables Data arranged in rows and

columnsFormats vary

910.2 Developing Graphics

Organization Chart Shows the

relationships of employees, positions, and departments

Shows lines of communication and authority in a company

1010.2 Developing Graphics

Flowchart A step-by-step diagram of a procedure or

processAids in understanding long or complex steps

1110.2 Developing Graphics

Pie Chart Shows how the

parts of a whole are distributed

Parts are often shown as percentages

1210.2 Developing Graphics

Line ChartShows changes in quantity or value over timeCategory (horizontal) axis shows time or quantity Value (vertical) shows

amounts

1310.2 Developing Graphics

Bar ChartCompares groups of

data Items compared on

the vertical axisValues on the

horizontal axis

1410.2 Developing Graphics

Column ChartCompares different

groups of data Items compared on

the horizontal axisValues on the

vertical axis

1510.2 Developing Graphics

MapsMaps show

geographic relationships

National Atlas Web site

1610.2 Developing Graphics

PhotographsProvide a realistic

view of a specific item or place

SourcesDigital cameraCD collectionsScannerWorld Wide Web

1710.2 Developing Graphics

© Image Source Black / Jupiter Images

Photographs add interest and realism to documents.

DrawingsUseful for showing details or a

procedureClip artCustom drawings

1810.2 Developing Graphics

Charts that MisleadMisleading charts result from:

Careless or unskilled chart creatorsPurposeful attempts to mislead

Misleading others on purpose is unethicalBe careful to create graphics that give

readers a clear and accurate picture of the data

1910.2 Developing Graphics

Vocabulary

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bar chartclip artcolumn chart flowchartgraphiclandscape orientationlegend

line chartorganization chartpie chartportrait orientationsource linetable visual aid