Not every story is told in words. In public engagement, visual storytelling can make complex topics easier to understand and more accessible to a wider audience.

A single photo, sketch, or short video can express what paragraphs of text cannot. Visuals spark emotion, clarify detail, and make it easier for participants to connect with project goals. At reVerb, we use visual storytelling to complement verbal input and create lasting impressions across diverse audiences.

Why Visuals Work

Images are processed faster than text
People often grasp the meaning of a visual before reading a word.
Visuals create emotional anchors
Photos and drawings can prompt memories and personal stories.
They help level the playing field
When technical terms get in the way, visuals can bring people into the conversation.

When to Use Visual Storytelling

At open houses or pop-ups to attract attention and invite participation
In digital engagement to show progress, people, or place
When working with youth, multilingual communities, or participants with varying literacy levels
To humanize infrastructure and planning conversations

How We Use It at reVerb

We don’t rely on stock visuals or overly polished graphics. Instead, we focus on tools that feel personal and authentic.

Examples include:

Photo walls where residents post or draw what they love about a place
Storyboard templates that let people map out a journey or process
Short video snippets where participants reflect on a single moment or question
Live sketching or illustrated recaps during or after engagement sessions

These tools help capture nuance and emotion, and they serve as visual records that inform both the public and the project team.

Tips for Using Visual Storytelling Effectively

1. Choose visuals with a purpose
Don't add graphics just to decorate. Use them to clarify, prompt, or reflect.

2. Keep it people-focused
Show faces, places, and lived experiences—not just renderings and maps.

3. Invite contributions
Let participants add to the visual story. Use whiteboards, sticky notes, or interactive murals.

4. Balance clarity with emotion
Use visuals that simplify content, but also evoke a feeling. That’s what makes them memorable.

5. Make it accessible
Ensure contrast, legibility, and alternative formats. Good visual communication is inclusive.

What You Need to Get Started

A visual facilitator or designer (or a set of templates to work from)
High-resolution photos or sketches with relevance to the project
A plan for how visuals will be used and shared; both in person and online
A process for collecting feedback or contributions visually

Why It Matters

Engagement isn’t just about what’s said. It’s also about what’s seen and felt. Visual storytelling helps people recognize themselves in the process, even if they don’t speak up. It invites new forms of participation and deepens understanding across different audiences.

At reVerb, we use storytelling—both verbal and visual—as a way to build trust, reduce confusion, and bring meaning to every touchpoint in a project.

Want to add visual storytelling to your engagement strategy?
Contact us to learn how we can support your team.

Storytelling Beyond Words: Using Visual Tools in Community Engagement