(Newswire.net — November 5, 2021) — What is a timeline? A timeline is a visual tool used to present events that took place in a chronological manner. These events are generally classified by the elements such as date, time, and other significant details. It may be a presentation to show the flow of an event or steps in making something. Creating a timeline can be made easy with this article’s 10 step guide.
1) Choose The Timeline Template Type
There are two basic types of timeline; linear and nonlinear. First, you need to know what kind of timeline will be needed for you to make it. Second, you should also determine whether to make it by hand or use a timeline maker because this can affect your whole project in making a timeline. Browse available timeline templates on Venngage.
Venngage
2) Decide On The Contents
Think about what you will put on your timeline and the particular category it should be placed in. Numerous contents can be added to a timeline such as events, people, places, and things. You may want to use only one or two categories depending on your presentation’s purpose. Also, take note of the format wherein you can either use a bullet list or a table style.
3) Quantity Of Contents
After determining the contents of your timeline, you also need to know how many items will be included in it. There are cases where the quantity of the content is limitless and it is up to you if you want to limit them or not. It may depend on what you need for a presentation and what you consider appropriate for your project.
4) Collect The Contents
You can get the contents from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, or online websites. You need to gather them one by one to create a timeline. In making a timeline with timelines taken from books, make sure that the materials you use are authoritative.
5) Group The Contents
If you need to sort the contents, put them in groups or categories using similar titles or names of people involved. You may want to create subgroups if some contents are related to each other. Also, make sure that the content is placed chronologically according to their relevance on your timeline presentation.
6) Order The Contents
The contents must be ordered according to the timeline’s sequence. Make sure that they are placed in chronological order and if there is a need to use time, you can do so, especially in a history timeline. You can alternatively just arrange them by content type or alphabet depending on your project. This makes it easier for viewers to see their connection with each other.
7) Create Your Timeline
If you are done with the timeline’s contents, it is now time to create the timeline itself. Mixed media can be used in making your timelines such as item labels, illustrations, or photographs together with text presentations. You may also want to add sound effects if appropriate. Make sure that all elements are clear and legible for viewers.
8) Make Any Necessary Alterations
If there is anything wrong with your timeline, you need to make the necessary changes. This can be making some minor touch-ups or altering content according to your personal preference. You may also want to group some content if they are related in some way. If the problem is more severe, you need to start your project all over again.
9) Make A Presentation Out Of It
You can use the timeline in making a presentation. Make sure that it will convey your message correctly and appropriately for people to get interested. You may also want to add some notes if there are certain aspects of timeline contents that need explanation.
Venngage
10) Time To Present It!
The final step in timeline making is to present it. Make sure that your project will make sense and there are no inconsistencies or mistakes. You may want to practice a bit before presenting it for real because this determines how well you did on your project.
Additional Tips
- Do not be too specific when placing dates on your timeline. For example, when you are making a timeline of the life of Christ, it is better to just use “30 AD” instead of saying that he was born on December 25th, 7 BC or that He died on April 3rd 33 AD. This can be annoying for viewers because it requires them to search for a specific date.
- Make sure that all your contents are on-topic and relevant to your project timeline. If you include items that do not make sense or are irrelevant, they can distract your viewers or even make them bored.
Takeaway
A timeline is a great way to show the chronological events in a sequence. Whether you are making one for yourself or someone else, these tips will help you create an effective tool to keep track of what happened when. You can even use this on your school projects to help you tell the story better.