LECTURE NOTES
Professional Communication Skills (303193203)
TITLE: Picture Perception
1. Introduction
“Good morning, everyone! Today’s session focuses on a fascinating and practical skill—Picture
Perception. Whether you're in an interview, a group discussion, or even designing a system—
your ability to observe and interpret visuals plays a crucial role. This session will help you
develop that skill.”
🎯 2. Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
● Understand what Picture Perception is.
● Recognize its importance in academics and career development.
● Sharpen their observation, interpretation, and story-building abilities.
● Create meaningful narratives based on visual prompts.
● Improve critical thinking and decision-making through imagery.
📌 3. What is Picture Perception?
● Picture perception involves viewing an image or visual scene and interpreting its meaning
by observing the details.
● It is widely used in:
○ SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews
○ Management entrance tests
○ HR assessments
○ Creative thinking evaluations
● It blends logic, creativity, and communication skills.
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LECTURE NOTES
Professional Communication Skills (303193203)
4. Why is it Important for Engineers?
● Enhances analytical thinking and detail orientation.
● Helps in better problem visualization.
● Useful during group discussions, technical presentations, and project explanations.
● Prepares you for assessments like:
○ SSB Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
○ Campus placement creativity rounds
5. Observation Skills
The first step in picture perception is observation.
What to Observe:
● Characters: How many? What age, gender, mood?
● Setting: Indoor/outdoor, urban/rural, formal/informal
● Objects: Vehicles, buildings, trees, tools, etc.
● Time of Day: Morning, night, cloudy, sunset?
● Actions: What are the characters doing?
Technique:
Always move from general to specific — observe the whole image first, then
zoom in on details.
🧠 6. Interpretation Skills
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LECTURE NOTES
Professional Communication Skills (303193203)
Once observation is complete, interpretation begins.
Ask yourself:
● What is happening in this picture?
● What could have happened just before?
● What might happen next?
● What roles are the characters playing?
Use logic and creativity. There is no single “correct” answer—but your response should be
realistic, positive, and logical.
📝 7. Story Building Techniques
Now, convert your interpretation into a story.
Use the BME Model:
● Beginning: Set the scene – who, where, when
● Middle: Introduce the event/conflict
● End: Resolve the situation or deliver a message
Tips:
● Keep your story brief and focused (around 120 words in assessment formats).
● Make sure the characters and setting are consistent throughout.
● End with a positive conclusion or lesson learned.
🧪 8. Practical Example
[Show a sample black-and-white picture]
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LECTURE NOTES
Professional Communication Skills (303193203)
Task for Students:
● Observe the image for 30 seconds.
● Note:
○ No. of people
○ Mood
○ Setting
○ Activity
● Write a short 5–6 line story.
Facilitator Tip: Discuss a few responses and highlight creativity, logic, and coherence.
9. Picture Perception in SSB & PPDT
In the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT):
● Picture shown: 30 seconds
● Observation time: 1 minute
● Story writing: 4 minutes
● Group Discussion: Candidates narrate and discuss stories
Skills tested:
● Observation
● Presence of mind
● Communication
● Leadership
● Decision making
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LECTURE NOTES
Professional Communication Skills (303193203)
💡 10. Tips to Improve Picture Perception
● Practice with random images regularly
● Read short stories and editorials to improve narrative building
● Improve vocabulary and grammar
● Avoid writing fantasy or unrealistic stories
● Stay calm during observation; avoid over-analysis
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake Why It’s a Problem
Ignoring background Misses full context
details
Repetitive or vague Lacks originality and
storylines depth
Illogical or negative Leaves poor impression
endings
Overcomplicating Hard to follow or
characters confusing
📚 12. Practice Resources
Websites for Picture Prompts:
● [Link]
● [Link]
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LECTURE NOTES
Professional Communication Skills (303193203)
Books:
● SSB Interview: The Complete Guide – Dr. N K Natarajan
● Communication Skills Workbook – NPTEL
Apps:
● Picture Prompt Story Apps
● Vocabulary Builder & Writing Prompts
🔁 13. Summary
● Picture Perception is a creative, analytical, and communicative task.
● Engineers can use it to enhance technical explanations and team interactions.
● Focus on:
○ Sharp observation
○ Logical interpretation
○ Clear storytelling
● It is a skill that can be developed through consistent practice.
🎯 14. Learning Outcomes Revisited
Now that we’ve completed the session, you should be able to:
Define and explain the process of Picture Perception
