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7 Reasons GIFs Spice Up All Kinds of Motivation

If a photo is worth a thousand words, then a GIF generates millions.

By Corinne JenkinsPublished 3 years ago • 4 min read
Top Story - June 2021
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Shout-out to GIPHY, which helped make this story come to life: https://giphy.com/

What is a GIF?

A lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images.

While many may disagree, I believe GIFs can not only motivate us, but are the superior form of communication in many different scenarios. Also, they just make me happy and it can't be wrong if they feel so right.

Side note: My boyfriend pronounces it JIF, and I'm like when you buy someone a present do you pronounce GIFT as JIFT? NO YOU DON'T. But, I digress.

Here are my reasons why I believe GIFs are worthy as a form of conveying your thoughts electronically:

1. GIFs show what kind of entertainment we love:

I watch so many TV shows and movies that it causes my brain to have a constant loop of random quotes. So, if someone messages me and I have the perfect retort that is a GIF, AND it emulates some of my favorite entertainment, that's just a win-win for me. Like, the 'Review' Tag on our Geeks Community is probably most-visited by me, because I want to watch it all.

The top two movies of mine that you will hear me most likely quote or send to you as a GIF are:

  • My Cousin Vinny: (side note: I've been DYING to dress as Lisa from this movie for years now except for some reason I always stay in on Halloween, like I do every other night; here's to Halloween 2021 👻)!

My boss may believe I use the above GIF too often. I respectfully disagree. Not only does this convey my love for Die Hard, but it can be used for any kind of conversation.

Bonus GIF

Jake Peralta is a good measurement of my love for Die Hard.

2. GIFs can really rally people together:

When we're having busy days and are being given assignments, sometimes, positive GIFs can unite us onto the tasks at-hand.

Sharp turn in story - straight ahead:

Which reminds me of all of the bad-ass women I work with every day that constantly make me feel like we're in this together. Because of my role at Vocal, I was able to learn more about The Female Quotient through our Boss Mom Challenge.

The Female Quotient is a female-owned business advancing equality in the workplace through the power of collaboration. We bring visibility to women, activate solutions for change, and create metrics for accountability.

Women in the workforce are celebrated and conversations are created with the help of The Female Quotient, which brings me back to a GIF allowing me to commemorate this:

Annnnnd we're back:

3. For us storytellers, GIFs help get our points across:

When I started writing the above story, it wasn't my plan to pepper GIFs throughout the paragraphs. But, it just worked and I was so pleased with the end result.

I'm beginning to realize that most of my GIFs so far are entertainment-related. Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes from a movie of all time:

Anyways, my point is that Vocal's editor allows all types of media to help push your stories along, which I heavily take advantage of. And why shouldn't I?

4. GIFs can convey how we're really feeling:

If a photo is worth a thousand words, then a GIF generates millions.

I like to show my true feelings day-to-day. Which 9 times outta 10 is just feeling real tired. BUT, after sending a GIF like the above, I feel like the magic of GIFs can motivate you to keep going.

5. GIFs help with quick responses:

When you want to add your comments to a group chat, whether it's for business or pleasure (in my opinion), GIFs can allow you to quickly add your thoughts and you can continue on with your day. I'm all about efficiency, but I also don't want to leave anyone hanging by not responding. So, GIFs are a happy compromise that allow me to contribute to the conversation, but not have to spend so much time with typing a full-fledged response.

6. GIFs can build bridges and mend fences:

Having conversations that are not in-person can cause uncertainty. GIFs convey your tone and keep from anyone getting the wrong message or allow any miscommunication.

And how could a GIF like the one below make anyone feel anything but happy:

7. GIFs give me the extra animation I need:

Personalities are shown through GIF usage and I for one find it extremely exciting to bond over GIFs. Whether you're finding pals amongst coworkers or catching-up with good friends, GIFs are my favorite form of communicating effectively & help me stay motivated.

💕, Corinne

____________________________________________________

P.S. - Went on a whirlwind throughout this article, and it turns out I am in fact right about the proper pronunciation for GIF after all.

happiness
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About the Creator

Corinne Jenkins

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