When I am Graphic Recording I am acting as a silent partner during an event to capture and reflect content and ideas. Essentially what I do is map-out the presentation (in real time!) to show patterns, connect ideas, and uncover the big picture ideas.

It helps facilitate focus in the group, and documents the event in a unique and memorable way. This method can be used alongside keynote speakers at a conference, in meetings, AGMs, training sessions, workshops and more!

Check out my Blog post on this topic: Graphic Recording vs Graphic Facilitation

Graphic Facilitation takes visual learning and engagement to the next level. Working alongside another facilitation or on my own I use visuals to create a more interactive, engaging environment. This method allows participants to engage with the visual representation of their ideas in real-time (they can see what they are saying, as they are saying it!).

This is an extremely effective method of capturing ideas, and facilitating conversations that otherwise may get side-tracked or confusing. Graphic Facilitation is used in workshops, group discussions, conference break-out sessions, brainstorming, strategic planning sessions, World Cafe, Open Space discussions, and anywhere where ideas are being shared, hashed out, debated or discussed.

Check out my Blog post on this topic: Graphic Recording vs Graphic Facilitation 

If you’ve never seen a Graphic Recorder or Facilitator in action, you might still be unsure of what it is that I actually do. Please check out my Portfolio Page to see examples of my work, and the various clients I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I’d be happy to chat with you and offer more clarification if you need it!

Sketchnoting and Visual note-taking are methods used by visual thinkers to take comprehensive notes that they can understand more clearly than a list or paragraph of words. Visual learners benefit from visual cues, so drawing helps them articulate concepts they would otherwise be unable to jot down quickly. Graphic recording/facilitation are services which grew out of this need of visual learners– So yes they are similar in the sense that the process is the same (articulating content in a visual form) however graphic recording/facilitation is the public version of this. It allows for a more in depth understanding both for the individual (as in Sketchnoting) but also opens the door for conversations, multiple perspectives, and collective understanding of concepts.

I talk about Visual Note-Taking in this Blog post: Graphic Recording vs Graphic Facilitation

I have worked with a wide variety of professionals in a wide variety of fields (check out my client page for some examples). In my experience, most conference presentations and most group discussions are based on the foundations of universal topics; strategy, human issues, business of doing business, relationships, and challenges. Through my experience, I am confident that I can learn and adapt to convey the areas of the conversation that are specific to your industry and company. Usually I can pull most background/contextual information from your company website/a quick google search– If there is something very specific you need me to know, contact me and we can discuss it.

Graphic Recording contributes to a presentation in two main ways; during the talk, and after it is done. During the talk it functions as a real-time aid to the focus of the attendees. Presentation viewers are proven to be more engaged in the content of the talk when they see the visual translation of the spoken words being synthesised in front of them. Good note-taking is a relatively rare skill, and even if the participants are excellent note takers it is always beneficial to have a shared resource to spark conversation and reflection.

It can be difficult to tackle hard questions in a business meeting– Each individual present has a lot on their plate, and probably a lot of work that they feel they should be doing. As a facilitator, I have the luxury of entering the room with a fresh mind, with 100% of my attention and energy focused on the topic of the meeting. By listening closely, linking ideas, and mapping out the conversation as it unfolds, a graphic facilitator can help keep everyone focused and help them digest what is being said (and see problems and solutions in new ways).

What do you consider a distraction? Most folks get distracted by their own thoughts, “hm, what’s for lunch, hope it’s pizza”. I tell clients it’s a good thing if participants are looking over to the graphic recording as it’s been drawn out during a talk. It’s helping them confirm what they heard, helping them stay focused on the content and solidify that information even deeper in their brain! Cool huh?

A visual learner is one of three learning styles (Auditory, Visual and Kinesthetic) made popular by Neil D. Fleming in his VAK model of learning. A visual learner is essentially someone who learns by seeing information laid out in front of them (ie visually!).  There have been several studies looking at learning styles over the years. The results are clear that over half the participants in all of these studies are visual learners (65% according to Mind Tools).

While there are still many who fall in the other two categories (Auditory and Kinesthetic), visual learners are generally the majority. Consider that fact, then consider the fact that most presentations are mainly focused on auditory aspects (speech) with insufficient attention paid to creating effective visuals. This is where Graphic Recorders and Graphic Facilitators come in! Engaging visual learners is key to getting your message across, and understood by everyone in the room. Many people learn through a combination of stimulus (auditory and visual cues), so including a dynamic visual element to a conference talk or meeting just makes sense!

Need help adding visuals to your presentation? Mind’s Eye Creative offers a Presentation Design service! Find out more by clicking here.