4 IMAGE HACKS for PowerPoint Presentations (backed by science) // Visual storytelling

Summary

In this video, Alina shares four image hacks to enhance visual storytelling for presentations and websites, backed by research in human behavior. She explains how eye gaze influences attention—suggesting side gazes to inform and direct eye contact to persuade. Alina also highlights the power of aligning text with the gaze direction, creating a more harmonious flow. Additionally, she advocates for using full-screen images to immerse the audience, emphasizing a more engaging visual experience. These simple yet effective hacks aim to make your visual content more impactful and captivating.

Takeaways

• 😀 Direct eye contact in images can distract the audience from your message.
• 😀 When informing your audience, choose images where the subject's gaze is a side glance to focus attention on the message, not the face.
• 😀 Research shows that side gazes on images lead to more focus on the accompanying text or information.
• 😀 For persuasive messaging, use images where the subject makes direct eye contact with the audience to build a relationship and prompt action.
• 😀 Images with direct eye contact are commonly used in advertising, like on billboards, to increase connection and prompt purchases or actions.
• 😀 Human behavior shows that people are more likely to engage with an image where the subject looks directly at them in persuasive contexts.
• 😀 Aligning the subject's gaze with the placement of text creates a harmonious flow, helping your audience naturally absorb the information.
• 😀 If the subject in the image looks to the right, the text should appear on the right side of the slide for better visual flow.
• 😀 The same principle of gaze direction applies to images involving motion (e.g., athletes, animals, vehicles).
• 😀 Full-screen images on slides create a more immersive visual experience, helping your audience feel more connected to the message and the story you're telling.

Q & A

Who is the presenter in the video, and what is her background?

The presenter is Alina, a neuroscientist by training and a communicator by passion. She combines science and communication to provide tips on effectively conveying ideas and stories.

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on four image hacks to enhance visual storytelling in presentations or websites, backed by human behavior and research.

Why is direct eye contact in images sometimes problematic in presentations?

Direct eye contact can draw the audience's attention to the image rather than the accompanying text or message, reducing focus on the key information.

What type of gaze should be used in images when the goal is to inform an audience?

A side gaze or gaze in motion should be used when informing, as it directs attention to the text and message instead of the image itself.

How can eye contact be used effectively when the goal is to persuade an audience?

Direct eye contact can build a relationship between the subject in the image and the audience, making it more likely for them to take action, such as donating or signing up for a cause.

What research evidence supports the use of side gaze versus direct gaze?

An eye-tracking study with 160 participants showed that images with direct gaze caused more attention on the face and less on the text, while side gaze directed more attention to the message and brand.

How does the direction of a subject's gaze influence the placement of text on a slide?

Audiences naturally follow the gaze of the subject, so placing text in the direction of the gaze creates a more harmonious and natural flow of information.

Can this gaze-following principle apply to images with motion?

Yes, it applies to motion-based images like athletes running or birds flying; text and supporting elements should follow the direction of motion for better visual storytelling.

What is the benefit of using full-screen images in presentations or websites?

Full-screen images immerse the audience in the scene, enhancing engagement and setting the mood for the story or message being presented.

How can these visual storytelling tips improve audience engagement?

By strategically using gaze, motion direction, and full-screen images, presenters can guide attention to key messages, foster emotional connections, and create a more engaging and persuasive visual experience.

Why do marketers often use images with direct eye contact on billboards?

Direct eye contact on billboards creates a connection with viewers, increasing the likelihood of persuading them to buy a product or engage with the message.