Audiovisual media

The term audiovisual (AV, or A/V) may refer to works with both a sound and a visual component, the production or use of such works, or the equipment used to create and present such works. Slide[1] tape presentations, films, and television programs are examples of audiovisual presentations, as are most major church services and other live theater productions. Business presentations are also often audiovisual. In a typical presentation, the presenter provides the audio by speaking, and supplements it with a series of images projected onto a screen, either from a slide projector, or from a computer connected to a projector using presentation software. In the developed world, there has been a huge uptake of computer-based audiovisual equipment in the education sector, with many schools and higher educational establishments installing projection equipment and often using interactive whiteboard technology.

Why Is Audiovisual Media Considered a Powerful Tool and Means of Communication?

When attempting to relay a message or idea, it's usually easier and more effective to do so face-to-face than on paper or via email. That's because written or audio communication alone has certain limitations that could muddle your message or result in misunderstanding. Audiovisual communication breaks down the traditional barriers of written communication to ensure that your audience understands the message easily, resulting in better discussion and collaboration in business, education and personal applications.

Clarity
One of the main benefits of audiovisual media for communication is clarity. When you send an email or write a letter, you know the type of tone and mood used in the letter, but it could come across differently to the receiver. Audiovisual input enables both parties to observe facial expressions and gesture, hear tones and inflections in the voice and use both audio and visual cues to clarify each other's meanings and positions.

Speed
Just 100 years ago, communication through written or word-of-mouth correspondence often took weeks and months. In comparison, today's communication is immediate, with the use of audiovisual media such as video phones, webcams and face-to-face meetings.

Retention
Audio and visual cues, when combined, increase message retention. According to the United States Department of Labor, a mere 10 percent of information is retained when presented only orally and only 35 percent of information is retained when presented only visually. But when audio and visual tools are combined to present a message or idea, 65 percent of that information is retained. Presentation software and video conferencing can be effective tools in meetings and lectures because your audience receives and processes the information more effectively than it would with more traditional approaches.

Media
By adding videos, visual aids and sound clips to your presentation, you create a multimedia experience. This helps your communication become more engaging to the audience using a variety of media, from mp3s to video footage to still-image slideshows and online social media.