Analysis Of Verbally

A theme unifies and gives the story of the year a unique personality and approach.

STRONG THEME PRESENTATION UNIFIES THE YEARBOOK VERBALLY AND VISUALLY.

Verbally: Theme statements are similar to slogans used in television commercials and magazine advertisements. The theme catch phrase, just like an advertising slogan, summarizes the product and creates its image with a few dynamic words. These words might include lingo or phrasing that appeals to the audience.

Visually: The theme presentation unifies the book visually through a variety of techniques including a consistent graphic look.

IDEAS CAN COME FROM UNIQUE EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS. Something unique to the year, such as the opening of a new building, implementation of a block schedule, switching from open campus to closed campus, the passage or failure of a bond election, celebration of an important school anniversary or winning a state championship are all unique happenings that could inspire a theme statement.
THEMES HAVE MANY FUNCTIONS.
Theme statements can also reflect pride by involving the school colors or mascot if it can be specific to the year and school. Theme statements can be serious, fun, pose a question or make a statement. They can also make readers feel special by allowing for personalization through such techniques as gluing a student’s class photo on the front endsheet or stamping a student’s name on the
cover.

AN EFFECTIVE THEME SETS THE STAGE FOR TELLING THE STORY OF THE YEAR. After a theme is conceived, consider the following questions about the slogan:

What photos can illustrate the theme?
What specific information will support the theme in copy?
Is the theme appealing to students?