Multimodal Composition

Multimodal Composition

Definition: A multimodal composition is a message that incorporates multiple modes of communication to tell a story, express a feeling, or persuade an audience. These modes can include written text, images, audio, video, gestures, and spatial arrangements, among others. The aim is to leverage the strengths of each mode to enhance the overall effectiveness and engagement of the message. Traits of multimodal composition are as follows:

1. Integration of Multiple Modes: Multimodal compositions integrate two or more modes of communication (i.e. text, images, video, and audio).

2. Enhanced Engagement: By appealing to multiple senses, multimodal compositions can capture and maintain the audience’s attention more effectively.

3. Diverse Media Formats: Websites, videos, infographics, digital stories, podcasts, social media posts, and interactive media.

4. Audience-Centric Design: Multimodal compositions employ the most appropriate modes to persuade the target audience.

Multimodal Rhetoric in the Natural Sciences 

Multimodal compositions are commonly used by natural science professionals to persuade a diverse assortment of target audiences. These compositions combine text, visuals, audio, and interactivity to effectively communicate and persuade audiences, from fellow scientists to the general public and policymakers.

Written Modes

• Research Articles (e.g., academic journals, peer-reviewed papers)

• Grant Proposals (e.g., funding applications)

• Policy Briefs (e.g., documents for policymakers)

• White Papers (e.g., detailed reports to advocate for specific initiatives)

• Press Releases (e.g., announcements of discoveries or innovations)

• Popular Science Articles (e.g., blogs, magazine articles)

• Case Studies (e.g., practical examples to illustrate scientific applications)

Visual Modes

• Infographics (e.g., data visualization, simplified concepts for broad audiences)

• Posters (e.g., academic conference presentations)

• Charts and Graphs (e.g., data-supported arguments)

• Slide Decks (e.g., PowerPoint or Keynote presentations)

• Illustrations and Diagrams (e.g., scientific processes or mechanisms)

Digital and Interactive Modes

• Websites (e.g., dedicated pages for research projects)

• Social Media Posts (e.g., Twitter threads, Instagram infographics, LinkedIn updates)

• Online Videos (e.g., YouTube explainer videos, short social media clips)

• Interactive Simulations (e.g., educational tools to demonstrate scientific phenomena)

• Podcasts and Webinars (e.g., discussions and presentations for broader outreach)

Oral Modes

• Conference Presentations (e.g., oral presentations with slides)

• Public Lectures (e.g., talks to general or specific audiences)

• Panel Discussions (e.g., expert panels on controversial topics)

• Elevator Pitches (e.g., concise persuasive presentations to stakeholders)

Multimodal Campaigns

• Outreach Campaigns (e.g., combining written articles, videos, and social media)

• Citizen Science Projects (e.g., engaging the public in data collection and research)

• Advocacy Campaigns (e.g., multimedia approaches to support science policy changes)

Specialized Scientific Tools

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) (e.g., immersive experiences to demonstrate phenomena)

• Data Dashboards (e.g., real-time interactive visualizations for stakeholders)

• Interactive E-books (e.g., scientific topics presented through multimedia content)