What are the best visual aids for virtual team communication?

1 Images and icons

Images and icons can help you convey your message quickly and clearly, as well as add some visual interest and appeal to your presentation, document, or email. They can also help you emphasize key points, illustrate concepts, and simplify data. However, you should be careful not to overuse them, as they can also distract, confuse, or offend your audience. Choose images and icons that are relevant, clear, and consistent with your brand and tone. Avoid using low-quality, copyrighted, or inappropriate images and icons.

2 Charts and graphs

Charts and graphs are great for showing trends, comparisons, relationships, and patterns in data. They can help you highlight important findings, support your arguments, and make your data more accessible and engaging. However, you should also be aware of the potential pitfalls of using charts and graphs, such as misleading, inaccurate, or irrelevant data, confusing or cluttered design, or inappropriate or incompatible formats. Choose charts and graphs that are suitable for your data type, audience, and platform. Avoid using too many, too complex, or too flashy charts and graphs.

3 Diagrams and maps

Diagrams and maps can help you explain processes, structures, systems, or locations in a visual way. They can help you break down complex information, show connections and dependencies, and provide context and orientation. However, you should also be mindful of the possible drawbacks of using diagrams and maps, such as oversimplification, ambiguity, or inconsistency. Choose diagrams and maps that are accurate, relevant, and easy to follow. Avoid using too detailed, too abstract, or too outdated diagrams and maps.

4 Videos and animations

Videos and animations can help you demonstrate a procedure, tell a story, or show a scenario in a dynamic and engaging way. They can help you capture attention, evoke emotions, and create impact. However, you should also be cautious of the potential challenges of using videos and animations, such as technical issues, bandwidth limitations, or accessibility barriers. Choose videos and animations that are short, relevant, and high-quality. Avoid using too long, too distracting, or too noisy videos and animations.

5 Interactive tools and games

Interactive tools and games can help you create a more interactive and fun virtual team communication experience. They can help you stimulate participation, collaboration, and feedback. They can also help you test knowledge, reinforce learning, and motivate action. However, you should also be aware of the possible risks of using interactive tools and games, such as compatibility problems, security breaches, or ethical concerns. Choose interactive tools and games that are appropriate, reliable, and safe. Avoid using too complicated, too irrelevant, or too offensive interactive tools and games.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?