Visual Communication
What isVisual Communication I’m often asked “exactly what is visual communication and graphic mediation and what are the benefits of this type of approach”.
It’s a fair question because as this method of working has has developed, so have the different approaches taken by those who practice it. One of the things about this approach is it incorporates different learning styles. Some people for example are visual learners – pictures are an aid to learning, whilst others are more auditory – with a preference for listening and words. Another learning style is kinesthetic – movement is an integral part of learning and although we may combine some of these styles usually one is favoured over another. Our graphic and visual approach combines all three (visual, auditory and kinesthetic), both right and left brain learning, creative and logical thinking. We use large wall templates, floor exercises for movement and of course conversation, it’s a creative and logical thinking approach connecting pictures and words that help to create a visual story that can be recorded or discussed one-to-one or in a group.
Benefits of the Graphic Approach
- Brings participants own experiences into the workshop or training, thereby enhancing authenticity.
- Increases participation and equal voices
- Builds a graphic/visual picture of the situation
- A learning method that helps people integrate new thinking processes
Additional Benefits for Managing Difficult Conversations
- Increases clarity and understanding (People can see and share meanings)
- Improves trust and helps decrease resistance
- Helps people shift out of one ‘position’ and into shared ‘interests’
- Motivates participants to make changes through focusing on goals
- Helps people see how they ‘see others and others ‘see them’
- Supports the reconciliation and healing process
- Aids problem solving processes
