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Visual Communication |
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The studies that reveal the way we understand common everyday messages communicated to us are shocking! Experts agree that only 7 percent of our comprehension is based on the actual words a person uses; 38% is based on tone of voice. That leaves a whopping 55% of our comprehension that comes straight from what we see when we communicate. Much of our visual comprehension comes in the form of nonverbal clues sent by the person communicating. We watch others for signals. We know the classics – eye contact, facial expressions, and “the vibes” we give off in our body language. Visual comprehension is more than just nonverbal clues. Sometimes in jest, we have had someone say to us “What do you want me to draw you a picture?” Now we know drawing a picture might be just what we need. With 55% of our comprehension coming from visual clues, a picture is a pretty good idea. A picture can take several forms. A picture can be a chart or graph that is used to deliver a message. A picture can be a flip chart, a map, or a poster. A picture can even be something you draw at your desk with paper and crayons!
DRAW A PICTURE You can use pictures in many different situations to show someone visually, what you need for them to understand. It is often easier to draw a picture than to try to explain with words what you are trying to say. A picture, done correctly, is harder to misinterpret than words. Let’s say for example, you supervise Jody and Jody misses too much work. If you have ever been in the situation of “accusing” someone of missing too much work, you know that this is a very difficult conversation to have with anyone. No matter how you phrase things, it is natural for the person to become defensive – especially if they are guilty. It is a good idea for you to draw a picture before you talk with the person. You may look at your picture and find out information that you didn’t have. Let’s look at a picture of Jody’s attendance for the past two months.
This picture clearly shows that Jody has a problem with attendance! Mondays and Fridays are a problem! Using this picture to discuss the problem with Jody, allows you to focus on fact. The facts here are clear – Jody’s attendance is not satisfactory.
THE USE OF GRAPHS Graphs are a wonderful visual effect and can really be quite simple to use. Microsoft Excel makes graph making very simple and it is worth the effort. Here are a couple of examples of how you can use a simple graph to get your message across in a most effective manner. Consider this: you learn that you are receiving more assignments than anyone else in your work unit. This is something you have suspected for quite some time. You are exceptionally fast and naturally able to do more in eight hours than most people. Still, does that make it fair? What you would love is an opportunity to try some different assignments and do some cross training to prepare you for advancement or just to make you appreciate your organization even more. How would this sound to your boss? “Boss, you are giving me more work than anyone else here.” Your boss might say, “Why would you think that?” And your reply, “Because I work faster than anyone here so you give me more and I get it done in the same number of hours. I have been doing more work than either of my coworkers for months.” Hmmm, this conversation isn’t going too well. And, even though you could ponder on better words to use, this would be a perfect time to use a picture. So, you go to the monthly production reports and pull out some numbers. Here is the simple bar graph that you make. (You could use Excel or even draw it on paper!)
This chart clearly shows your boss that your productivity far exceeds that of your coworkers. With this chart, you can explain that you would really like to spend some time working on something different – be sure to be specific what it is that you want to work on. Hopefully, your boss will also note without prompting, that your productivity is falling and that his or her failure to address what you are saying may result in much bigger issues for the work team. Here’s another example. Let’s say your boss is constantly on your back because there are too many customer complaints. The boss is receiving lots of pressure from “upstairs” and as a result, spends a good amount of time in every staff meeting telling everyone to stop getting customer complaints. You can’t believe your work team is causing this - get real! So, you ask your boss for numbers of complaints and find out he/she doesn’t know. You feel sure your team is doing a great job so you volunteer to try to find out more specific information about the complaints. One phone call and bingo – here’s what you find out: Team 1 gets an average of 10 complaints called in on them every day; Team 2 gets and average of 9 complaints every day; Team 3 gets an average of 5 complaints every day; Team 4 gets an average of 4 complaints every week. What does all of that mean? Here’s a picture.
It happens you work on Team 4. This picture is clear that Team 1 is the major contributor to the problem. You can tell your boss that just working with Teams 1 and 2 has a potential of reducing complaints by 77%! Then you can offer your expertise to help! You can see that using a visual aid to communicate your message is a far superior method. Any attempt to verbally state what you are trying to say will not be as effective as showing a picture to clearly deliver your message.
YOU BENEFIT - THEY BENEFIT Visual Communication is a huge contributing factor in helping people to understand your message. Next time you are having trouble getting your point through, try drawing a picture! Communication in all forms is difficult and almost impossible to get right. Your goal as a communicator is to do everything possible to ensure that your listener understands precisely, what you are trying to tell them – and what they are trying to tell you. You will both benefit by doing all in your power to get your message through as intended. Got crayons?
For more information or to discuss this article - drop me an e-mail! LKibbey@LKibbey.com |
