Discovering the Power of Visual Thinking
Have you ever felt hesitant about using drawing as a tool to engage participants in workshops or other professional settings? For years, I believed that drawing wasn’t my forte—let alone a skill I could use to elevate my facilitation style. But that belief was shattered during an inspiring Bikablo® Visual Thinking workshop, hosted by CMI Australia’s Tasmanian Chapter, and led by the talented facilitator Marc Hundleby.
A Journey of Discovery
The workshop began with an activity that was, quite literally, transformative: drawing a monster. Far from being just a fun exercise, this activity introduced us to our inner critics. Mine, whom I’ve affectionately named Mavis, has long whispered doubts about my artistic abilities. But as the session unfolded, Mavis quickly took a backseat!
What I Learned
Over the course of this dynamic and hands-on session, I discovered that drawing doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s not about artistic talent—it’s about intentionality and simplicity. Here are the key takeaways from the workshop:
- Mastering Basic Shapes: With just a few deliberate shapes, I learned how to create meaningful icons that effectively convey ideas.
- Combining Icons for Broader Concepts: By connecting individual elements, I found creative ways to illustrate complex concepts visually.
- Designing Visual Journey Maps: These maps are a powerful storytelling tool that engage and resonate with audiences.
The Impact on My Facilitation Style
In just about an hour, my perception of drawing as a facilitation tool transformed completely. I now feel confident enough to embark on creating visually engaging flip charts and journey maps that I hope, will captivate my audiences and enrich my workshops.
Visual thinking isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making ideas accessible, memorable, and impactful. And with a little practice, it’s a skill anyone can master.
Moving Forward
If you’ve ever doubted your ability to draw, let me assure you: you can do it. The Bikablo® workshop taught me that deliberate, intentional shapes can create magic. Whether it’s for a corporate presentation, a classroom lesson, or a creative brainstorming session, visual thinking has the power to transform how we communicate and connect.
Check out my first attempt at drawing a journey map during the workshop! While I am still very much a learner, I feel that visual thinking will become a cornerstone of my facilitation toolkit, and I can’t wait to explore its endless possibilities.
Final Thoughts
To anyone considering stepping out of their comfort zone and exploring the world of visual thinking, I wholeheartedly recommend the Bikablo® workshops. You’ll walk away not only with new skills but also with a newfound confidence in your ability to bring ideas to life.
Let’s start thinking with a pen—watch out, Mavis, the future is vivid and visual!
Learn more about Marc’s face to face and Online Workshops at The HumblePM.
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