‘Well, we were calling it Graphic Communication Skills but then someone said that was a bit rude…’
I was speaking to a client about an upcoming series of workshops and I could understand her plight.
With so many different words used in the industry – graphic communication, visual thinking, graphic facilitation, graphic recording, sketchnoting, visual planning etc – where do you begin?
Here’s a breakdown of the most used terminology so that when you’re talking about it, at least you know what you mean.
Graphics – graphics simply describes a combination of simple images and words to convey meaning.
Graphic Facilitation – this describes the facilitation of a process (strategic visioning forexample) using a graphic template. The facilitator is co-creating with the group. Visual Facilitation is the same thing.
Graphic Recording – this describes real time recording of a talk (for example) using simple images and words. The graphic recorder does not engage with the group. He/she is off to one side listening to what is being said. Sketchnoting is the same thing but done on a smaller scale, on a sketchpad.
Many people get confused between graphic recording and graphic facilitation. I often get enquiries for a graphic facilitator when the client really wants a graphic recorder.
Visual Thinking simply describes thinking and working in visuals. Because there is a naturally an element of communication in all aspects of this work the term visual communication is also often used.
In Secrets of Simple Graphics I go into more detail about the differences (as well as introducing custom illustration and graphic coaching), and we get to practice both graphic recording and graphic facilitation in a fun and safe environment.
The next date is September 5th. Book your place here.