Branding is an important aspect of visual design because it helps create a consistent and recognizable image for a company, product, or service. Branding can include elements such as logos, color schemes, typography, imagery, and messaging.
Continue reading
All posts by Tom Mucciolo
Visual Hierarchy
Creating visual hierarchy in presentations helps to guide the audience’s attention and make the information more easily understood. Think of visual hierarchy as the arrangement of elements on a slide, such as text, images, and graphics, in order of importance. Continue reading
No Thank You!
One of the most common ways to end a presentation is with a visual that says “Thank You” or “Thank You for your Attention” — something along those lines. But, the slide itself should not be used to replace or echo what should only be spoken.
Continue reading
Mechanics – Basic Skills Module
2016 – Details of the 1st Debate
Body language, vocal tones, viewing angles, and more are described while observing the 2016 First Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. This is a detailed look at the non-verbal cues and other staging issues that took place while the candidates exchanged barbs.
The clips are taken from the online webcasts posted by the New York Times and CBS News. The 8-minute “condensed” video focuses on comparisons between the candidates, taken at various times during the debate.
Click on the image to navigate to the visual analysis.
First Debate Prep – 2016
How will the candidates handle the delivery of the upcoming debates? While most of the effort will be in the content preparation, the non-verbal communication will likely become a very important factor. So what must the candidates do to ensure that their intentions match their actions? Continue reading
The Race Card — News Networks Matter
When it involves the media — RACE is not about color, it’s about competition. In the absence of a close presidential race, nobody needs the news.
Therefore, network news outlets know that the race is in the ratings, not in the rhetoric.
Healthy Discussions
Talking about health is more than just words, especially when it comes to the communication between health professionals and patients. In a featured podcast on Helen Osborne’s Health Literacy Out Loud blog, Tom Mucciolo shares his perspectives on the importance of nonverbal communication skills in the healthcare environment.
Visit Helen’s site and listen to the podcast interview:
Discussion-Style Debate
In the third and final Presidential debate of 2012, the candidates were seated in a “discussion” style format. The non-verbal actions of the upper body are visible, especially with respect to the various camera angles and closeups.
This analysis focuses on upper body actions, including visibility of gestures, eye contact, hand positons, confrontation, and speaking style.
Click on the image to navigate to the visual analysis.
Town Hall Debate
In the second of three Presidential Debates, the Town Hall setting offered the candidates the chance to move freely in an open area. This allowed for an in-depth review of of performance issues, including body language, eye contact, hand gestures, proximity, navigation, confrontation and speaking style.
Non-verbal cues dominate during planned or prepared speaking venues and both candidates were prepared not only to discuss the issues, but to directly confront one another in the process.
In this debate, Barack Obama redeemed himself from his previous lackluster performance by adding action, energy and a sense of leadership, while Mitt Romney remained steady, similar to the way he appeared in the first debate.
Click on the image to navigate to the visual analysis. 