Live Graphic Recording

Graphic recording is the art of illustrating salient points of a discussion in real-time to help people see what's being said and make connections. 

Graphic recording can be done in person, on large sheets of paper, or virtually. 

In a virtual setting we can live-stream the illustration or share periodic updates on the image as your meeting unfolds.  

Encourages deeper listening and open communication. Graphic recording requires the recorder to pay close attention to what is going on in the room while sharing back key lessons. This public learning practice models deep listening and open communication for attendees, builds empathy, and effectively supports meeting attendees in their own listening and learning.

Creates a common understanding. Getting our thinking out of our heads and onto paper increases common understanding of concepts and agreements. Graphic facilitation supports common understanding throughout group conversation and results in a visual product that can be referred to and shared later on.

Supports sharing different points of view. When people see their views as text and images, they feel heard and acknowledged. They can literally “see” what others are saying too. The drawing that holds different ideas acts as a neutral entity, hosting diverse points of view in a complex situation and can help de-personalize diverse perspectives. 

Increases dialogue. The human brain can handle about 7 pieces of information at once until overload kicks in. The large drawings created through graphic facilitation hold multiple pieces of information for a group – allowing them to quickly develop shared meaning and deal with higher levels of complexity. In seeing the drawing come together, groups are able to better understand the landscape of their problems and aspirations, which allows them to spend more time finding solutions.  

Involves major learning styles. Working graphically is obviously helpful for people who process information visually (82% of North American population). However, this methodology also works for auditory and kinesthetic learners too, especially when break-out groups create their own materials and use them to present their ideas to each other and the graphic facilitator. All of the learning styles get used simultaneously – resulting in a meeting that holds the attention of all people, not just a selected few.

Offers a complete visual of the meeting experience. The graphic recording creates an instant record and communicates the essence of a session to those who were not able to attend. This also provides an opportunity to communicate with attendees immediately following the event, with prints or electronic images of the scribing that can be included in marketing materials or shared over social media.