During the State of the Union Address, President Obama's team released an 'enhanced' experience with over 100 slides, 25 charts and videos for the public to review during the speech. Chart Check: Did Obama's Graphics 'Enhance' his Big Speech? highlighted how multimedia can go wrong. The various charts were appealing to the eye as far as color and clean lines, however the information on the charts was hard to interpret and some appeared to be smoke screens over the real numbers.
Multimedia should be used to enhance the content of an article or speech by relating the content to the audience through visuals or audio. The article Snowfall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek incorporated multimedia as if it was a Hollywood production. The opening gave off the feeling of watching a movie. The article was well written and the author used the correct multimedia tools at the right times to drive home a point, an excellent example.
In late February 1910, ceaseless snowstorms over several days marooned two passenger trains just outside the tunnel’s west portal. Before the tracks could be cleared, the trains were buried by what still stands as the nation’s deadliest avalanche. It killed 96 people.
Multimedia enhances a writer's message when used to compliment the article or post. It enhances the message by peaking the readers interest when music plays, a photo can be used as an exclamation point to a paragraph, and a quick 30-45 second clip is used to highlight a sidebar or bring the story to life.
I believe that as cool as some videos are, a photo is more effective. It freezes a specific moment in time and allows readers to interpret the image based on their experiences and start asking questions. Why is the little boy so happy? What are they doing just sitting on chairs in a kitchen? Are they playing a game? The list can go on.
In reality the children were Skyping with their Daddy and seeing him for the first time since he deployed to Afghanistan. They were reading Father's Day cards to him and telling him about their day (image from 2012). Yes, the picture is obviously a happy moment but the only way readers can find out the whole story is to continue reading. Photos really do speak a thousand words.
It is difficult to mention multimedia without talking about the importance of it in the business world. Multimedia is a crucial part in the marketing industry to bring buyers and to showcase the product. Here is an example of how videos allow a business/person to introduce themselves, their product, mission, and encourage interaction with consumers while building a brand. Also popular way to get across the infamous 'How To' guides.
