Assignment

For this assignment, you will create an informational flyer designed for a specific set of readers. You will need to gather data from various sources, and then interpret and incorporate the data into tables, charts, diagrams, or illustrations. Be creative with color, placement, and graphics.

When planning the flyer, think carefully about how readers will use the information and how you can use graphics to make the facts as accessible, understandable, and useful as possible. Refer to Chapters 12 and 14 for specific ideas.

Choose one of the following scenarios:

1. Present a description of a process that would be important for clients to know if they are going to purchase products or services. You may use the kind of employer you would like to work for after graduation. Example: A computer information systems student might explain the differences between Power Point and Prezi presentations.

2. Present an explanation of a basic concept in your major addressed to students who have just begun course work in it. Example: An accounting student might show how credits and debits function in a ledger.

3. Present an explanation of a concept from your major that is important for members of the general public to understand as they make decisions. Example: A respiratory therapy student might show how smoking harms the lungs in the respiratory system.

The flyer should only be one page. Make sure you proofread the flyer for spelling, grammar, and formatting. Data from sources needs to be correctly cited in APA format (you may include full reference page entries on a separate page).

CREATING GRAPHICS

Planning

1. Identify places where graphics will increase your communication's usability.

2. Identify places where graphics will increase your communication's persuasiveness.

Selecting

1. Select the types of graphics that will best support your readers' tasks.

2. Select the types of graphics that will effectively influence your readers' attitudes.

Designing

1. Design graphics that are easy to understand and use.

2. Design them to support your readers' tasks.

3. Design graphics that your readers will find persuasive.

4. Keep your graphics simple enough for easy use.

5. Label content clearly.

6. Provide your graphics with informative titles.

Using Color

1. Use colors to support your message.

2. Use color for emphasis, not decoration.

3. Choose a color scheme, not just individual colors.

4. Provide high contrast between text and background.

5. Select colors with appropriate associations.

6. Limit the number of colors.

7. Use color to unify the overall communication.

Integrating with the Text

1. Introduce each graphic in the text.

2. Tell your readers the conclusions you want them to draw.

3. Provide all explanations your readers will need in order to understand and use each graphic.

4. Locate each graphic near the references to it.

Addressing an International Audience

1. Check your graphics with persons from the other nations.

Using Graphics Ethically

1. Avoid elements that might mislead your readers.

2. Obtain permission from the copyright owner of each image that is not in the public domain.