How do you visually tell your social impact stories?

2 Choose the right format and platform

Depending on your goals and audience, you may want to use different formats and platforms for your visual stories. For example, you may want to use photos or infographics to illustrate your data or impact, videos or podcasts to share your stories or testimonials, or animations or comics to explain your concepts or processes. You may also want to consider where and how your audience will consume your visual stories, such as on your website, social media, email, or print. Choose the format and platform that best suit your content, style, and budget.

3 Use authentic and diverse visuals

One of the most important aspects of visual storytelling is authenticity. Your visuals should reflect your reality, not a staged or idealized version of it. Use real images and videos of your beneficiaries, partners, staff, and volunteers, rather than stock photos or generic clips. Show the diversity and complexity of your social impact culture, not just the positive or glamorous aspects. Avoid clichés, stereotypes, or sensationalism that may undermine your credibility or harm your cause.

4 Tell a story with a structure and a hook

A good visual story should have a structure and a hook that capture and hold your audience's attention. A simple structure is to follow the classic storytelling arc of exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution. This means setting the scene, introducing the problem, showing the solution, and revealing the outcome. A hook is a catchy or surprising element that draws your audience in and makes them curious or emotional. This could be a headline, a question, a quote, a statistic, or a visual contrast.

5 Add context and captions

While visuals can speak for themselves, sometimes they need some context and captions to clarify or enhance your message. Context can include background information, facts, figures, sources, or links that provide more details or evidence for your visual story. Captions can include titles, subtitles, labels, annotations, or narratives that explain or comment on your visual story. Use context and captions sparingly and strategically, avoiding clutter or distraction.

Visual storytelling is a skill that you can learn and improve with practice and feedback. By following these tips, you can create visual stories that showcase your social impact culture and connect with your audience. What are some of the visual stories that you have created or seen that impressed you? Share your examples and insights below.