Research has shown that one of the most effective ways to communicate information clearly and persuasively, is through the use of visual cues. There are a number of benefits to using visuals, all of which should be very interesting to attorneys:
- Better retention – The brain is extremely good at encoding images and recalling them at a later time. Studies have shown that connecting concepts and ideas to meaningful images can improve the recall of those concepts and ideas.
- Faster comprehension – The human brain is capable of processing images very quickly, and of gleaning a remarkable amount of detail in just a brief period of time.
- Deeper understanding – Images communicate information without using language, which engages the mind in non-linguistic ways, which can lead to deeper understanding of a subject, and even emotional responses.
Combine the benefits of using visual aids with the tendency of human beings to think linearly, and it becomes clear how using a fact chronology or visual trial timeline in your legal work, can be a powerful way not only to communicate the important facts of your case to others, but also to solidify and understand the facts in your own mind.