8 ways imagery makes your story more memorable

Adding a visual element will always grab readers—especially when they’re worried, frustrated and working at home, surrounded by pets, partners, spouses, children or parents who’ve morphed from loved ones into irritating distractions, draining away the readers’ dwindling reservoir of focus and concentration.

Here are eight surefire ways to make your story more visual and get your message across more quickly:

 1. Photos

Ask employees to send you photos on your topic. Most of them will be unsuitable or just plain awful, but you need only one at the top of your story.  Confirm that all employees in the photo are in good standing. Make sure you properly identify the contributor and everyone in the picture.

Topic too sensitive? Use a stock image. iStock offers a wide range of photos at reasonable prices. It’s OK that it isn’t an employee. No need to identify the people.

Work hard to write a compelling caption that distills your topic into a sentence or two. The harsh reality: It might be the only text your time-crunched reader will notice.

2. Charts

You don’t need a degree in design. Tap Excel’s chart making function.