Multimedia Enhancement

Multimedia enhances our messages in a multitude of ways. According to our Module 9 overview, “multimedia refers to many means by which this transference can be accomplished” (SNHU 2014). When you take this definition literally, it simply means to goes above and beyond just one of the many senses we use on a day-to-day basis. It does not just touch on emotion but also touches on visual stimulation, audio, and physical touch. It allows us as the content creator to touch our audience more effectively. Multimedia creates a story that is easier to comprehend and engages our audience for longer periods of time. So the answer is YES! Multimedia does in fact enhance our use of messaging in many ways. Just because multimedia is a great way to connect with your audience, does not mean that all multimedia techniques are successful. Writer Zachary Sniderman (2010) said, “A website without multimedia is like a cupcake without icing: Functional but lacking” (Sniderman 2010). It is important that multimedia is used correctly to have a positive effect on its viewers. Otherwise, if done incorrectly, the story that is being told may not come across as effective to the viewer.

Let us take a look at a few examples to help better understand the difference between successful and unsuccessful techniques.

Successful Techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJNR2EpS0jw

A perfect example of multimedia use is a campaign created in Melbourne by their transit company. Public safety was not much of a concern so to gain the viewers attention they did a multitude of things. They created an App in which you die in dumb ways if you cannot complete the level. In turn this turned into an animation and YouTube video that became extremely popular now even in the U.S.! The techniques used here include, audio, visual, pictures, and stimulating content that has engaged viewers successfully all over the world. I attached the animation above so you can see the campaign! Enjoy!

Unsuccessful Techniques: http://www.dullestblog.com

In this example, you will notice that there is no visual stimulation being used here i.e. pictures, audio, or visual. Multimedia use lacks 100% in this blog. It is simply white pages and text. To most viewers this will not engage them to read what the writer has writer there for the techniques lacked quite a bit.

Overall, I believe that techniques are successful based on the criteria that are involved. It will vary each time multimedia is used; there is not one set way in which multimedia techniques can be 100% effective.  However, to be most effective you must engage with your viewers, have visually stimulating photos and videos, and stay creative with content on how you use headers and text to capture the viewer’s attention immediately. It is all about instantaneous connection, something we all have grown to love, and multimedia can certainly have leverage on any written news piece when it is added into the mix.

Resources

Dumb Ways To Die. (2012, November 14). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIJNR2EpS0jw

Huber, E. (2010, November 23). Effective Multimedia Journalism. Retrieved October 30, 2014, from http%3A%2F%2Fjournalistjan.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F23%2Feffective-multimedia-journalism%2F

SNHU (2014) Module 9 - Overview. COM 510-X1509

Sniderman, Z. (2010). How to: Add multimedia to your blog. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2010/07/28/add-multimedia-to-blog/


Walker, D. (n.d.). The Dullest Blog. Retrieved October 30, 2014, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dullestblog.com