4 Simple Tools for More Visual Meetings

For 15 years ImageThink's work has been inspiring leaders to lean into the transformative power of visuals. A common question I hear from audiences after they attend my keynotes and trainings is "how do I get started?" If you are looking to introduce visuals in your meetings, read on.

In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite tools and techniques that can transform your group work, whether you're brainstorming new ideas, organizing a complex project, or making critical decisions. From the classic big paper and markers to the versatility of digital tools like the iPad, these methods will help you engage your team and bring your collective ideas to life.

In today's collaborative work environments, effective communication and idea sharing are more important than ever. As someone who has facilitated countless group sessions, I’ve found that the right tools can make all the difference in fostering creativity, organization, and productivity.

Big Paper and Wall space

Anything you’re writing or drawing needs to be large enough for everyone in the room to see clearly. For most of us, good old letter size is the biggest paper we use, but it’s really not enough when it comes to working with a group. When you have the physical room to expand on your ideas, all kinds of possibilities open up.

Markers

Big, bold markers in just a handful of colors are a must! Stock up so there are enough to go around, with extras in case you run out. Dried-out markers are no fun, and they are lighter and less visible. We love Neuland markers – they’re non-toxic, refillable and come in a wide variety of colors, include a diverse selection of skin tones. Which colors? Start with lots of blacks and some basics like red, yellow, orange, blue and green. Keep most text in black and blue, highlight and illustrate with the others.

Sticky notes and index cards

When working with a lot of separate elements – for instance, steps or tasks in a project – it’s great to be able to move them around. Sticky notes make this possible on any surface, but if you have index cards that you can lay out on a large table, that works, too. Suddenly it becomes much easier to explore different ways to sort, prioritize and group the individual elements of the problem you’re working on. Color can add another layer of meaning to the notes and cards.

Dot stickers

Let’s say your meeting is about deciding which programs to pursue in the next year. Here’s a combo of visual tools that provide a quick and surprisingly powerful way get a sense of where the group’s interest lies: Write each idea in the running up on your big paper. Hand out stickers to each person – give them a number of stickers equal to about one-third of the items being voted on – and ask them to place dots as votes. Suddenly, you have a snapshot of which items are the most important in terms of group opinion.

iPad

An iPad can be a versatile addition to your toolkit for group work. With apps designed for drawing, note-taking, and project management, it can serve as a digital alternative or complement to physical tools. You can use it to:

Endless possibilities!

With a few simple visual tools we’ve listed here, there are almost countless ways of engaging a problem that allow more effective meetings than simply talking alone.

You'll be amazed at the results you’ll get with something as seemingly insignificant as sticky notes. I'd love to hear how you use them!