What role(s) do(es) visuals play in persuasion? -- Nic

Visuals help illustrate the concept that the author wants the audience to accept. Making the idea or point of view easy to understand allows the audience to align themselves with what is being introduced. When the author communicates their idea effectively, more people are likely to buy in and accept what they hear/read. This is because they understand what has been said and can see it in action.

Visuals also serve to summarize what's been said and give the author another avenue by which to reach the audience. Everyone doesn't learn the same way, so finding other means by which to relay the same message increases the likeliness that more people will be persuaded.