Deceptively Simple: Basic Visuals Can Have Big Impact
I have taught, presented and facilitated trainings since 1995. In terms of the mechanics and logistics of running a workshop, I feel like I have it down. That is why, when a verbal riot broke out at the beginning of my StoryGraphics™ workshop last Thursday, I was caught completely off guard.
About two-dozen people braved Chicago’s winter weather to attend the evening workshop. After greeting everyone and mingling for a while, I began my presentation on StoryGraphics™: Telling Powerful Stories with Simple Visuals. After the second demonstration, a barrage of questions came my way. “Esther, why don’t you DRAW each part?” “Esther, how is this useful if you are speaking in front of a large group of people?” “Esther, I thought we were going to learn tips on how to create infographics!” “Esther…” As I addressed each question, it dawned on me that despite a careful program description that explained why you don’t need to know how to draw well to create effective visuals, people are still married to the idea that only complex drawings and images qualify as “graphics.” This puts an undue burden on those of us who are not artistically inclined but who are looking for more creative ways to engage an audience. What’s more, often the most powerful way to communicate is the simplest way. Let me give you an example. My clients often tell me that they can’t tell a story. They have seen others do it, but they were not born with this same gift. I have a more hopeful message. The art of storytelling isn’t something you’re born with. I like to say that storytelling is like gold mining.
Now, would you rather look at something like this?
Or this?
Focus your audience’s eyes on the most important elements of your story. This helps them create a more vivid memory. Then, fill their auditory (not visual) experience with words. As you can see, these are very simple visuals – easy to find in any clip art program. It is not about the intricacy of the image; rather it is about presenting information in a more dynamic way. It is also about unveiling your graphics in lock steps with telling your story. The most important thing to remember: Keep your best visual to yourself! DO NOT include it in any Powerpoint or printed materials. Present your visual as early in your presentation as possible to anchor and frame the thinking. Then physically draw your visual to complement your stories. The example above uses a cycle to illustrate the concept of an eco-system. In my StoryGraphics™ workshop, I also teach clients how to visually convey information that deals with: Relationships Processes Weights & proportions Governing principles Other complex ideas. After spending some time explaining this to the workshop participants, many began to see that graphic representation does not mean you need to hire a professional artist. You just have to think a little creatively. Within a hour after another StoryGraphics workshop, I receive the following unsolicited comment from a participant. “Being a words and numbers guy, I do not use many visuals in my business communication. However, the challenge my team has been facing requires a drastically differently way to persuade others. Currently, I am leading an effort to advocate for a painful but disruptive solution to the pension problem in the City of Chicago. We need to make it visual for our audience. I learned three powerful concepts in Esther’s StoryGraphics training, applied them during the break out session, and came up with two great ideas in five minutes. I got 1,000 times more value than I paid for the training. Thanks for a truly enlightening experience!” – Ed Bachrach, Retired Chairman and CEO of Bachrach Clothing Inc. Want to know more? Let us know how we can help you tell powerful stories with simple visuals. Subscribe to the Leadership Story Lab resources newsletter for quick tips and free events. (Photo credit by Emma Jane Hogbin Westby.)
