Public Relations

Visual Communication and Design Thinking for PR

Visual content captures attention and explains complex ideas faster than text. This course covers visual communication principles for PR teams: visual storytelling, layout and typography basics, infographics, brand consistency, briefing designers, design thinking for communication challenges and accessible visuals.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Audiences scroll past text but stop for strong visuals. You will learn to plan and brief visual content that works.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Visual analysis, infographic planning, design briefs, design thinking sprints and critiques.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply visual communication principles
Plan visual stories
Understand layout and typography basics
Plan infographics
Brief designers effectively
Use design thinking for communication challenges

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

PR and communication officers
Content creators
Social media staff
Marketing professionals
Internal communication staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Visual storytelling
Layout basics
Infographic planning
Design briefing
Design thinking

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Visual Principles

09:00–10:08Why visuals work
10:08–11:00Hierarchy
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Hierarchy (continued)
11:45–12:53Colour and contrast
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Visual Storytelling

09:00–10:08Story structure
10:08–11:00Image selection
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Image selection (continued)
11:45–12:53Sequencing
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Infographics

09:00–10:08Data to visuals
10:08–11:00Planning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Planning (continued)
11:45–12:53Common errors
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Working with Designers

09:00–10:08Design briefs
10:08–11:00Brand guidelines
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Brand guidelines (continued)
11:45–12:53Feedback
12:53–14:00Practice

Day 5Design Thinking

09:00–10:08Empathise and define
10:08–11:00Ideate and prototype
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Ideate and prototype (continued)
11:45–12:53Accessibility
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.