Technology :: Grammar Rules are Hard. Visual Grammar is Easy.

Communicating clearly is difficult enough. In business, whether you are communicating orally or in writing, the proper use of grammar is critical. But who made up these rules and why are they so complicated? There are so many questions to ask, such as the ones below.

    Should I use a predicative or attributive adjective?
    What is subjunctive mood?
    Did I just split the heck out of that infinitive?

The rules may be difficult to remember and use, but think where we would be if they didn't exist. Grammatical rules help us to communicate with others and understand what they are communicating in return.

When grammar breaks down, so does communication. Confusion and ambiguity can lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation. In an effort to clarify words—written or spoken—we often rely on visuals.
   
What can I say? I was an English major. Cartoon

"What can I say? I was an English major."
Buy SmartDraw now and save $100 for a limited time.

Buy SmartDraw
   

As the old adage goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." The right business visual, created in a way that is easy to understand, is worth a great deal more than that.

The problem is that, until recently, there wasn't a set of rules for visual communication. As a result, visuals can be just as confusing as poorly constructed sentences. Look at the flowchart below. The multiple directions of arrows and various sizes and colors of boxes make the author's message very difficult to understand.

To solve this problem, SmartDraw developed Visual Grammar—a set of simple rules that ensures effective visual communication. Just as a word processor automatically applies proper formatting to text documents, SmartDraw automatically applies Visual Grammar rules to every visual.

 Why Visual Grammar?

Communication, whether written or visual, is much more efficient with a set of rules we all follow than it would be if everyone made up their own.

Unlike English grammar, Visual Grammar isn't complicated. It is based on two simple rules:

    The Consistency Rule. This rule says that the appearance of equivalent shapes, lines and text in a visual should be consistent (i.e. the same).
    The One-Page Rule. This rule states that the visual must fit on one page and the text must remain readable.

Visuals are a powerful tool. They are proven to be up to six times more effective than communicating with words alone. But they must communicate the message clearly.

Let's revise the flowchart from above. The one below was created in just a few clicks using SmartDraw and the rules of Visual Grammar.

Notice how the use of Visual Grammar makes this flowchart easy to understand. It is visually consistent and it fits on one page. It's easy to follow the process in this chart. It flows from left to right, the same way you read a document. Split-paths allow for decisions to be made and the process carried on from there, until the order is shipped to the customer in the final step.

 
Using Visual Grammar with Ease

The templates in SmartDraw are designed to follow the basic rules of Visual Grammar. This allows you to quickly and effortlessly create visuals that communicate effectively. You and your organization will immediately realize the benefits:

    Visuals are consistently formatted, no matter who creates them.
    Attention is focused on the message - not the formatting.
    Productivity improves because the potential for miscommunication is reduced.

You Have a Partner in Visual Communication

Studies show that communicating visually is up to six times more effective than communicating with words alone. Let SmartDraw help you tap into the power of visual communication.

Put the Power of Visual Communication on Your Desktop

Are you ready to make great visuals that communicate effectively and easily using the power of Visual Grammar? Click the coupon below and save $100 when you buy SmartDraw today.