Word Power Unlimited

Multimedia projects should have a writing style that does not overload the reader. As you begin working with multimedia, it is important to select words that accurately and explicitly express the intended idea. In addition to the body text in multimedia, words are used for titles, headings, menus, and navigational systems. Horton says it is important to "strive for a simple, professional, transparent style that keeps the user focused on the information you are presenting and not on how you are presenting it" (Horton 96:106). A transparent style is one that does not draw attention to itself nor does it distract the reader. When a writer uses a transparent style, the reader sees right through it to the intended message.

Words are the most common system of communication. "They deliver their most widely understood meaning to the greatest number of people both accurately and in detail" (Vaughan 195). Since words are such a powerful communication tool, it is important to select the most effective word(s) to help keep your readers from getting lost in a web of information.

"Multimedia authors weave words, symbols, sounds, and images, and then blend text into the mix to create integrated tools and interfaces for acquiring, displaying, and disseminating messages and data, using computers " (Vaughan 195).