Using More Visual Content in Communications From Memos to Memes

It all started innocently enough with a mistyped "memebers" that sparked a deep dive into the realm of corporate communications and the role of fun, quirky visual elements in it. In today's social media-driven world, memes, GIFs and emojis are practically the norm. We all have our go-to favorites, like that hilarious Elmo-on-fire GIF one beloved colleague always throws out, or those memes that leave us #ROFL every single day. Yet, despite their ubiquity in personal online interactions, these playful elements remain surprisingly rare in the formal communications of most companies. So, I found myself asking: When and where is it appropriate to inject a little fun into corp. comm.?

In our digital age, people are increasingly drawn to visual content over traditional text-based communication. In addition to memes, GIFs and emojis overtaking social media, images, videos and infographics are also indispensable online, while icons have become a must in corporate presentations, reports and white papers, for example. Incorporating clear, relevant and appealing visual elements can make your communications more engaging and impactful. Here is how.

Adding personality and humor

GIFs and emojis allow internal communicators to make any message more casual and personal, helping to humanize the organization and foster a sense of camaraderie among employees. However, it's important to strike the right balance and ensure that humor aligns both with the company culture and the topic of the message.

Enhancing clarity and context

Visual elements such as GIFs and emojis can help convey tone and emotion more effectively than text alone, reducing the risk of misinterpretation or ambiguity in communication. They can also provide additional context or emphasis to key points, making messages easier to understand, more memorable and more impactful.

Leveraging the shock value

A well-placed meme or comic strip can help break up the monotony of presentations, adding a memorable pause to the end of a topic or the beginning of the next, while an unexpected emoji in a senior leader’s post, for example, can draw unprecedented engagement, if said executive is not usually known to throw a rocket ship in his messages.

But not all visual elements are created equal. 

Catering to different generations

Different generations often have distinct aesthetic sensibilities. For example, younger generations like Gen Z and millennials might prefer more minimalist and modern visuals, while older generations might appreciate more traditional or classic elements. In addition, younger generations are more likely to be comfortable with certain emojis or understand the context behind certain GIFs, whereas older generations may not know these “secret handshakes.”

Catering to different audiences

It's essential to know your audience and tailor your use of visual elements accordingly, ensuring that your messages resonate not only with diverse demographics, but geographies, cultures and communication preferences. In addition to generational differences, societal norms and customs will also dictate which audiences may be familiar and comfortable with using GIFs and emojis in a professional setting. 

Maintaining professionalism

While GIFs and emojis can add personality and flair to internal communications, it's essential to maintain professionalism and avoid using inappropriate or unprofessional content. Establish clear guidelines and best practices for using visual elements in the workplace to ensure that communications remain respectful and appropriate.

As communications trends and technologies continue to evolve, communicators need to lead by example, being open to experimentation and innovation. Encourage your teams to explore fun new ways of incorporating visual elements into their communication strategies and tactics. Also encourage your senior leaders to sprinkle some emojis or GIFs into their day-to-day interactions.

By harnessing the power of popular visual tools strategically, we can craft communications that truly captivate, leaving a lasting impression on our audiences. Who knows, one might even become one of your organization’s secret handshakes, or another enthusiastically shared by employees while #ROFL. Let's spark that creative fire and see where it takes us! 🚀