Want to communicate visually? Build a visual library.

Showing is more effective than telling. Here’s why.

Being able to think and communicate visually is a core skill of our job as designers and facilitators. Communicating visually does not mean creating elaborate artworks that look like the real thing. What we practice at Meld is far simpler and succinct, and it consistently adds value to the interactions we have with each other.

Communicating visually means we can:

• engage groups to think and problem-solve as a collective
• create consensus and a shared dialogue around a topic
• represent complex ideas in a tangible way to support decision making
• give a ‘face’ to ideas expressed in conversations and meetings
• map conversations, showing organic connections between ideas and topics
• develop a deeper understanding about a topic

For more on the benefits of doodling read The Doodle Revolution by Sunni Brown.

What is a visual library and how will it make me a better communicator?

If you use words more than sketches, but want to do more of the latter, you should build a visual library for yourself. A visual library is made up of sketches of everyday objects. They are simple sketches that you can draw in 5 seconds – and you feel confident drawing them.

Confidence is important – drawing each object should be a reflex – so that drawing feels more efficient than writing and describing (and this confidence will only come with practice).

The ultimate goal is to make your visual library a permanent part of your toolbox – your simple sketches are stored alongside words, gestures, body language, sounds – so that you have go-to sketches to help you describe scenarios, show relationships between concepts, explain processes and record talks or discussions.

Interested in building your visual thinking skills?

Find out about our workshops in the art of visual communication.