After 14+ years I’m pulling down my shingle as a graphic facilitator and graphic recorder (using visuals in large group settings) in order to devote more time and space for my rapidly growing ‘graphic coaching’ business (using visuals in smaller settings with individuals, couples and biz partners). November marks my last Meeting Graphics 101 training ever… so in homage to my graphic past… here’s an article about the benefits of these wonderful group skills with some tips for beginners entering the field.
Future is Bright for Interactive-Graphics:
More and more facilitators, trainers and other meeting consultants are adding ‘Meeting Graphics’ to their toolkits. Whether it’s through visual presentation charts, graphic recording (taking real-time visual notes), or creating or using graphic templates to facilitate conversation and decision-making.
As a seasoned graphic facilitation professional (I’ve been at it for over 14 years now) I am often asked for advice about how to develop meeting graphic skills. Below are some of my favorite top tips:
Tip 1: Gather Your Tools / Create a Practice Space
Get a roll of large size poster paper. Most art supply or print shops carry 20lb bond paper in varying widths and lengths or can order for you (this is the same paper used in architectural CAD machines). Anything between a three to four foot width is good, and usually 25 yards is a normal roll length.
While you’re at it, purchase some colorful markers (the main graphic recording colors are: blue, purple, green, brown, black, red and yellow for highlighting).
Create a practice space by hanging some of the big poster paper on a wall in your home or office. If space is limited, a sheet of paper on the back of a door is a start.
Tip 2: Check Out the IFVP Website
The International Forum for Visual Practitioners is a growing network of people who use graphics in varying ways: graphic recorders, facilitators, other kinds of scribes, synthesizers, etc. Join their list serve at www.ifvp.org to get ongoing announcements, particularly about their annual conference… a great info-sharing venue.
Tip 3: Get Some Skills Training / Find a Mentor
If you are a facilitator already, and want to add graphics to your toolkit, find a Graphic Facilitator in your area (or travel to one) who can provide you with training, mentoring or coaching on the basic skills. Like myself, many of my colleagues offer basic training and/or are willing to create custom training for you based on your direct needs… the same goes for people interested in the Graphic Recorder role. Check out the IFVP Directory, or the GraphicFacilitation.com’s Blog to find folks in your area. The Grove Consultants also has regular workshop offerings.
Tip 4: Start Simple, Then Build in Complexity
Start with weaving graphics into your work by pre-preparing simple presentation charts (a welcome poster, agenda chart, diagrams of models or concepts). Move up to recording simple lists and clusters.
If you are gathering information in specific ways (like doing a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) try creating a simple template. See Grove’s Graphic Guides for a full-line of helpful pre-prepared templates – the drawing is done for you so you can focus on gathering content.
Tip 5: Find Low Risk Opportunities & Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any new skill, it can be intimidating at first to try something new. To ease yourself into it, find small, safe and low-risk opportunities to practice your new skills. Perhaps a regular staff meeting, a workshop you usually lead, or a volunteer engagement. Up the ante as your confidence grows. Purchase a few templates. Or create your own for your own unique needs. It is estimated that upwards of 82% of the North American population are visual thinkers — so know that you have statistics on your side and many of your participants will appreciate your efforts to cater to their preferred learning style.
© 2008 Christina L. Merkley
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it:
Christina Merkley, “The SHIFT-IT Coach” and creator of the SHIFT-IT Method® is a Visioning and Strategic Planning Expert specializing in Graphic Facilitation and Law of Attraction techniques. Based in charming Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, she works deeply with individuals, partners and groups in defining and getting what they really, really want. For more information visit: www.shift-it-coach.com
[tags]Christina Merkley, SHIFT-IT Coach, SHIFT-IT, Meeting Graphics 101, meeting graphics, IFVP, IFVP directory, Graphic Facilitation Blog, The Grove Consultants, The Grove[/tags]
