graphic facilitation techniques for non-artists · graphic facilitation is also been called...

North Star Facilitators Barbara J MacKay, MS, CPF©

(503) 579 5708

www.northstarfacilitators.com

Graphic Facilitation Techniques for Non-Artists:

Why, When, and How to Use Them©

Permission is given to copy for personal use. If you want to use for

training others, please purchase the modules according to our group-rate

pricing on the website. Thank you for honoring this request.

Barbara MacKay, North Star Facilitators www.northstarfacilitators.com

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What is Graphic Facilitation?

This module discusses a variety of ways to

think about using visual images when

working with groups. Most people think this

is only an option for the talented artist. This

is not the case. You may have heard the

term “graphic facilitation” applied to the

process of drawing and writing the content

of a group’s thinking on large size pieces of

paper. These graphic facilitators, also known

as visual practitioners are specializing in how

the brain processes information visually.

Graphic Facilitation is also been called

metaphor mapping, memory mapping,

visual process consulting and a host of other

names. In this module, we focus mainly on

starting to think graphically by using

images in agendas and flipchart notes for

WOW effects. It also points you to

resources and insights about why

graphics are a fundamentally important

part of every facilitator’s and trainer’s

(both those who are artistically inclined

and thus who are less so) toolkit.

Graphics are a fundamentally important part of every facilitator’s and trainer’s toolkit.

According to Neuroscientist Wen Wenger,

80% of the brain’s processing is handled

visually. The limbic brain is the site of long-

term memory transformation so people

tend to retain visual information longer than

information presented in most other ways.

Also, the process of graphic facilitation tends

to take people into their right brain and help

them to think bigger, metaphorically,

creatively and non-linearly. The images,

colors and use of space on large long sheets

of paper captivate the audience and engage

all learners – visual, kinesthetic, and

auditory. I have found that a group can be

powerfully motivated by “seeing” their story

depicted and captured by an external person

to their agency on a long piece of paper. The

story unravels, so to speak, before their

eyes.

This learning module is one of over 45 individual self-directed learning modules available for

purchase on our website, www.northstarfacilitators.com.

Why Use Graphic Images or Techniques?

www.northstarfacilitators.com Barbara MacKay, North Star Facilitators

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At least 12 different colors of chisel tipped

pens (i.e., flat and fat edged)

Large long sheet of paper or flipchart

pages

Painters tape to attach paper to wall

Chalk

Highlighters

Baskets to hold pens

Ready made templates are handy

(available from Grove Consultants)

5) Divide space unequally to create intrigue.

6) Achieve balance by placing BIG bold and

colorful elements.

7) Avoid lines that cross or touch when they are not meant to – this is distracting for participants.

8) Use simple images. Limit also the number of styles of lettering on a single page. Leave lots of white space.

9) Group common themes by circling several images or phrases with highlighters or lines that divide them into like categories.

10) Use shading with chalk for some WOW effects.

Almost all images are lines, squiggles, or

circles put together! Try practicing common

figures such as suns, moons, clouds, trees,

airplanes, computers, balloons, people,

stars, arrows, paths, light bulbs, teacups,

smiling faces, globes, hands, hearts,

toolboxes, sailboats, puzzle pieces, roads,

dandelions, plants with roots in the soil, etc.

See the last few pages for some ways to

draw some of these images.

First, it is best to take a course, or read a

book, and practice a number of different

images. I recommend practicing on regular

flipcharts by adding features or following ten

tips:

1) Draw borders around the edge of the flipchart paper – especially agendas and important words.

2) Add in a few simple graphics on your flipchart – happy faces or balloons on the side for celebratory activities, cups of tea for coffee breaks, etc.

3) Underline the titles of headers with bright markers.

4) Use bright, bold colors to capture attention.

What Supplies are Needed?

Ten Simple Ways to Use Graphic Techniques

Almost all images are lines, squiggles, or circles put together!


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You might consider using more imagery in all

your meetings and group sessions. You can

begin with the flipcharts and move up to

larger pieces of paper for certain exercises. I

would consider using mainly graphic

facilitation when you are doing a visioning,

goal-setting sessions, problem solving,

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities, threats) analysis, history of an

organization, start-up of a team, mission

creation, context setting, and more.

Grove Consultants www.grove.com

Metaphor Mapping – Facilitating with Metaphor --Jennifer Landau. 2003. Rue D’Oak Press. 415-255-2893

Graphic Jam – Volume 1. International Forum of Visual Practitioners. 2004. Rue D’Oak Press.

Planning alternative Tomorrows with Hope (Path). Jack Pierpoint et al. Toronto Canada. 1993

Attend the International Association of Facilitators conference for graphic facilitation sessions

I would consider using mainly graphic facilitation when you are doing visioning, goal-setting sessions, problem solving, SWOT analysis, history of an organization, start-up of a team, mission creation, context setting, and more.

When to Use this Technique?

My Favorite Resources

http://www.grove.com/


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Barbara MacKay, MS, CPF©, principal of North Star

Facilitators, specializes in strategic planning and large group

or complex facilitation processes. She is now offering multiple

virtual trainings and coaching others to become competent

facilitators.

Barbara is currently mentoring facilitators from all over the

world and cares deeply about passing on the skills to others so

the world becomes a just, peaceful and creative place.

Barbara’s strong interpersonal communication skills and experience allow her to work skillfully

with a wide variety of participant perspectives.

Barbara specializes in helping groups participate, problem-solve, plan and make progress in

challenging and complex situations. She is focused, respectful, compassionate and present as a

facilitator, trainer and coach. Barbara has worked with hundreds of clients from all sectors with

her own company since 1995. She provided social, economic and environmental consulting and

facilitation services with many indigenous groups throughout Canada from 1981 to 1995.

Barbara is: Certified facilitator and USA trainer with the International Institute of Cultural Affairs;

Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF©) and assessor of other facilitators world-wide with the

International Association of Facilitators (IAF); Professional Development Strategic Initiative

Coordinator for the IAF for four years; was an Adjunct professor with University of Oregon and

Portland State University (Not for Profit Management Institute); certified OneSmartWorld™

trainer; trained in Disaster Crisis Intervention for facilitators; certified accelerated learning

trainer; trained extensively in: conflict resolution, Constructivist Listening and Cross Cultural

Communication and Alliance Building, visioning processes, Mind Mapping™, Behavior styles

model “Why Are You Like That?™”, and Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI). She is

also trained in and teaches about learning organizations, organizational development mapping

for organizations and strategic thinking for leaders.

Graphic design of this module by skilled facilitator colleague, Mari Mizobe Chu (www.marimchu.com) and Ben

Marcus. Photography by Barbara MacKay and Ben Marcus.

Your Guide and Author of This Module:

Barbara MacKay

http://www.marimchu.com/

graphic facilitation techniques for non-artists · graphic facilitation is also been called...

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