Storytelling

Selecting the right mediaStorytellingWhat does text do best?TextProvides depth, backgroundExplains context, analyzes complexProvides immediacy onlineAllows for quick reaction from readersUses hyperlinks for more infoExamples of using textProvide background: FAQs, Bio boxAnalysis: Whats the news mean?Pro/con: Allow for debateSummaries: Explains what a multimedia package is aboutText is quick

Twitter is text

Report as stories develop

What do photos do best?PhotosCapture a moment in timeShow something is happeningDisplay emotionTell truth without a filter

What does audio add?AudioCaptures emotion, inflectionCaptures toneAdds voiceProvides context

Audio slideshowsGoes beyond single momentTells stories with beginning, middle and endLayered combining photo, audioSlideshow examplesRotus by Jeff ZelenyBand North CarolinaDooty DivaWhat does video do best?VideoCaptures action, motionLets subjects tell their own storiesPortrays drama of a storyExplains how things work, how to do somethingVideo examplesOscar the featherless birdABC balloonistSpilling overJacobs WellWhat can graphics do?GraphicsExplain complex informationInterpret numbersHelp readers visualize informationKarl Gude on graphicsGraphicsCensus dataSpace shuttleWhat does a database do?Personalizes informationProvides interactivityKeeps readers engagedDatabase examplesHomicide in LAParkersburg tornadoThink about how to tell storiesMultimedia storytellingAsk these questionsIs your story dense with information?Does it require a lot of background?Does it have strong visuals?Does it have strong sound?Is there action?Does it have a lot of numbers?Would an interactive make it personal?

More examples / resourcesCheck my Delicious accountMindy McAdams cheat sheet for multimediaKnight Digital Center tutorial