How can you use contrast and juxtaposition to create tension in your story?

1 Why use contrast and juxtaposition?

Contrast and juxtaposition can be useful tools to help you achieve various objectives in your presentations. For example, you can use it to clarify your main point or argument by showing what it is not or what it opposes. It can also engage your audience's curiosity and interest by creating a gap between what they expect and what they see or hear. Additionally, you can use contrast to emphasize your key messages or benefits by contrasting them with the status quo or the alternatives. Moreover, it can be used to build suspense or drama by setting up a clash between opposing forces or characters. Lastly, it can evoke emotions or feelings by contrasting positive and negative, light and dark, or humorous and serious elements.

2 How to use contrast and juxtaposition visually?

Using visual elements, such as images, colors, fonts, shapes, or graphs, is one of the most common ways to employ contrast and juxtaposition in presentations. Contrasting images or colors can be used to emphasize the difference between before and after, problem and solution, or cause and effect. You can also use contrasting graphs or charts to demonstrate the impact or magnitude of your data or results. Additionally, contrasting shapes or objects can create a visual metaphor or analogy, while contrasting fonts or sizes can draw attention to a specific element or detail. Finally, contrasting styles or themes can add humor or surprise.

4 How to use contrast and juxtaposition conceptually?

You can use contrast and juxtaposition in your presentations through conceptual elements, such as values, beliefs, opinions, or perspectives. This technique can be used to challenge or persuade your audience by presenting contrasting arguments or evidence, inspire or motivate them with contrasting visions or scenarios, educate or inform them with contrasting examples or cases, connect or relate to them with contrasting experiences or emotions, and involve or interact with them through contrasting questions or polls. Ultimately, this approach can help you to engage your audience and make a lasting impact.

5 How to balance contrast and juxtaposition?

When using contrast and juxtaposition in your presentations, it's important to be strategic and purposeful, not random or arbitrary. Be selective and sparing, as too much can make your presentation seem chaotic, contradictory, or overwhelming. Additionally, use these techniques appropriately and respectfully, avoiding anything that might be insensitive, inappropriate, or disrespectful to your audience, topic, or context. Balance your contrasts and juxtapositions to ensure they support your main message and objective. Consider the tone and mood of your presentation to ensure it meets the expectations of your audience.

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?