Use Visual Cues to Help Employees Get the Message

Color. Setting a block of text in a different color sets that information apart and prioritizes it. The first paragraph of a block of text in red shouts, “Important idea here!” And a call-out in blue screams, “Read me first.”

Shapes. After color, our eyes are drawn to shapes. From the basics (circles and squares) to custom information graphics, they command attention. By putting a main point in a circle, that idea is given more importance than the rest of the text.

Numbers. This may be the most obvious way to prioritize information for an audience, but numbers are only as powerful as the information they support. Numbers buried in a block of text won't help your audience, but when used prominently, employees will understand immediately where to invest their time.

You can also try connecting numbers to important activities. For example, 3 strategies for 2006 will help employees remember there is a plan for the year even if they can't recall the specifics.

Highlighted text. When used sparingly, highlighted text is a great way to provide signals to employees about the content of a paragraph.