Although there are a variety of ways that business professionals and educators can convey important information to their audiences, the use of a fact sheet can be particularly efficacious. By learning more about fact sheets and basic principles of fact sheet design, you can increase your ability to communicate effectively with other individuals.
Fact Sheets - The Basics
Fact sheets are sheets designed to provide the reader with information regarding any given subject. While there are several principles that are used to determine what constitutes a good fact sheet, one of the most primary concepts is that overloading the reader or listener with too much information is disadvantageous and unnecessary. Additionally, many fact sheet experts agree that fact sheet design plays an important role in determining how the information being examined is received and interpreted.
Fact Sheet Design - A Brief Overview
Although defined broadly, fact sheet design is basically a system of principles used to provide structure to the format and aesthetic component of fact sheets. There are a wide variety of rules and regulations that guide the world of fact sheet design, and some of them include:
Conclusion
As made plain by the information listed above, fact sheets are an incredibly effective way to communicate data with one's audience. To make the most of this form of communication, however, it is important that individuals gain a basic understanding of fact sheet design. In grasping and then utilizing the fact sheet design principles and procedures outlined above, individuals interested in being able to provide their audiences with data in a clear, concise format will be able to do so.
Fact Sheets - The Basics
Fact sheets are sheets designed to provide the reader with information regarding any given subject. While there are several principles that are used to determine what constitutes a good fact sheet, one of the most primary concepts is that overloading the reader or listener with too much information is disadvantageous and unnecessary. Additionally, many fact sheet experts agree that fact sheet design plays an important role in determining how the information being examined is received and interpreted.
Fact Sheet Design - A Brief Overview
Although defined broadly, fact sheet design is basically a system of principles used to provide structure to the format and aesthetic component of fact sheets. There are a wide variety of rules and regulations that guide the world of fact sheet design, and some of them include:
- The fact sheet should not exceed one page.
- To ensure that the fact sheet is readable, the font should be at least 12 point.
- The most important information should be located in the fact sheet's first paragraph. (Generally, important information will include things such as what the subject matter is and what type of actions should result from considering the information that has been presented.)
- The fact sheet presenter should include references the audience can access in order to attain more information about the subject being discussed. In the event that the fact sheet is presented in electronic format, the use of links would be appropriate and advantageous.
- The use of bullets creates a sense of order and continuity, meaning that their use within the body of the fact sheet is a good idea.
- If you are attempting to emphasize a specific concept or theme, the use of bold letters is appropriate.
- Graphics can be utilized to create emphasis or simply draw attention to a specific concept, but they should not "steal the thunder" of the fact sheet.
- The fact sheet should be designed in a manner that enables the reader to take any form of action the presenter desires. For example, if the presenter wants his or her audience members to call the governor in response to reading the fact sheet, this individual's number should be located somewhere on the fact sheet.
Conclusion
As made plain by the information listed above, fact sheets are an incredibly effective way to communicate data with one's audience. To make the most of this form of communication, however, it is important that individuals gain a basic understanding of fact sheet design. In grasping and then utilizing the fact sheet design principles and procedures outlined above, individuals interested in being able to provide their audiences with data in a clear, concise format will be able to do so.
