Over The Horizon Consulting, LLC
Murals Make Meetings Memorable
For Consultants and Facilitators
Most frequently asked Q & A from consultants and facilitators:
Q: I already use flip charts a lot. And I'm complimented on my penmanship. Why should I use a Graphic Recorder?
A: The more often you use flip charts, the more you should be using a Graphic Recorder. You already value the visual learning that goes on. We want you to pay your full attention to your audience -- not waste time writing and drawing with your back turned to them. Trust us to capture your ideas and imagery and you can simply turn and point when you need to.
Q: I use Powerpoint. It will be too dark for Graphic Recording, won't it?
A: We are trying to create a more engaging and stimulating participant experience. We want to liberate them from sitting in the dark during Powerpoint presentations. We also believe that the creativity we display raises the energy in the room and inspires imagination. Trust us to capture everything that would be on your slide. You can save those hours of preparation. Let there be light!
Q: Why don't you use a digital tablet and projector? Why paper and pens?
A: Currently projectors still require a dim or dark room. We wouldn't want to make this another passive receptive experience in the dark. Let there be light! Besides, the scale of the work (4' x 8' or larger) inspires people to think BIG.
Q: I'm afraid it will be too distracting. Can we set you up in the back of the room?
A: You can, but you'll be missing out. During presentations, participants' attention spans can naturally wax and wane, no matter how good you are at what you do. When the participant watches me work (instead of watching you), they are still tuned in to your content! They see your ideas emerge visually and are drawn back to your presentation. Would you prefer they look out the window or check their Blackberry?
Q: The walls aren't flat and are broken up by windows and curtains. I guess it won't work, will it?
A: We bring in backboards on easles in such cases. We have lots of creative solutions for any physical space to make it work. Leave that to us!
Q: What happens to the poster afterwards?
A: At the end of a session, the client keeps the mural, after we have taken digital photographs. We send the client .jpegs that can be used for reports or sent to participants to have as powerful reminders of the event. Many use them as screensavers at work -- reminding them daily of the key ideas and content of your meeting!
Q: The meeting we are having includes a debate and decision about a sensitive and controversial issue. How do you handle that?
A: The main value of Graphic Recording is the heightened participant engagement during your meeting. The mural is especially effective in such cases because it lets people "see" what others are saying, and includes the ideas of all participants who speak, no matter what their status. We honor your need for privacy. Destroy the mural and don't request photography services. Done.
Q: How much does something like this cost?
A: It varies, but we can usually find a way to fit your budget. See the ballpark figures on the "Contact OTH Consulting" page.
Also visit the IFVP website to explore further ROI benefits for your organization.
