Using Picture and Diagrams

When it comes to communicating information, pictures save time -- they can communicate a lot of information quickly, and they can create clarity. You should use word pictures and images and simple diagrams to move information from your head into your someone else's.

I won't dwell on word pictures here. Many of you have lots of experience with this.

But let me encourage you to use simple diagrams more. Use a whiteboard or overhead transparency as you teach. Put words in boxes, and draw connecting arrows. Draw simple graphs. Use wavy and straight lines. Use multiple colors. It doesn't have to be elegant -- think "back of the napkin."

Before you use words, ask yourself "What could I do with a visual to make this point?"

Why do I emphasize this? Because research in the last few years has confirmed that our brains are wired to understand effectively through pictures. Also, we're in a visual age. While I may have some opinions about the loss of appreciation for poetry, the fact is that very few people learn effectively only through listening in American culture. This is particularly true for people under 45, who have grown up in rich audiovisual environments most of their life.