Narration or dialog that describes or explains visuals or "tell the story" of the visuals facilitate "dual processing" rather than competing for scarce cognitive resources. Note: avoid narrating text--most of us can't read and listen to speech at the same time.

Use sound effects to support visuals by:

1. providing additional information (for example, a "heavy" thud helping to convey the impression of weight); and
2. reinforcing visual analogies (for instance, to show the economy heating up, visualize a pot of water on a stove with bubbling sound accelerating and flames crackling).

Music itself serves diverse functions, including:

1. establishing or changing a mood (for example, happy, hectic, constructive, placid);
2. as content (for instance, authentic Egyptian or Native American music); and
3. facilitating transitions between visuals.

Music is very powerful--be sure it supports rather than distracts learners from the meaning of the visuals or text.