We are not all the same. I’m sure this statement isn’t a surprise to you, so why make it?
Because I often wonder why we expect people to take in and absorb information the same way as ourselves.
Why do we do this? We know we shouldn’t expect this, experience tells us not everyone will ‘get it’ straight away, even more so if they don’t like to learn the same way as ourselves.
Yet still we are surprised and frustrated when we find ourselves having to explain for the nth time what we are trying to do!
So how do you increase the chances everyone will understand as quickly as you would like? By realizing we all have preferred learning styles and we learn better when things are presented to us in this style.
There are many different thoughts and opinions about how we like to learn (and express ourselves). One theory I have found useful is based on Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). NLP describes three preference types – Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic or VAK.
Briefly explained, if your preference type is:
Visual
You generally like to get a picture in your mind of what is being said or what you want to say. You prefer something visual in front of you like illustrations, drawings, diagrams, videos when you are trying to understand a concept.
It is likely when you are presenting to a group or running a workshop you prefer to explain concepts or thoughts through drawings and diagrams such as process flows and mind maps. A whiteboard or flipchart is a must!
Auditory
You’re a great talker usually an excellent listener as well. You like to discuss matters and will talk in length as this is how you best remember. Having something in writing doesn’t particularly turn you on so you’re not overly fond of reading though if it is read to you that’s OK.
As a presenter or facilitator you most likely do a lot of talking and prefer not to use many other visual aids such as flipcharts or whiteboards. You encourage continual interaction and feedback from the group.
Kinesthetic
Actions speak louder than words and you like to do things and be hands on. Sitting back is not your style, so you get bored and fidgety if you have to sit for a period of time. You like to be in the thick of things where you can be active and explore. That’s how you remember and like to work with people.
You are most likely always on the move when presenting or running a workshop as just standing or sitting there would be difficult. You often use actions and movement to illustrate a point or get people involved in the process.
What does this mean for you?
Do you recognize yourself in any of these three types? For some it’s pretty clear cut and for others you may feel you fall into one or more types. It doesn’t matter as there is no right or wrong it’s about how you prefer to take in and absorb information. I’ve also found it’s often the way you also like to give out information.
Some of you may be OK no matter how things are presented, others have to concentrate a bit harder to understand and get it. The point is it’s highly unlikely everyone in a group will fall into a single preference type.
As I said before we are all different and we get the best synergies from this difference and what it brings. Take me, I’m quite visual so when I’m trying to describe something to someone or a group I automatically reach for the pen and start drawing diagrams and squiggles. There’s lots of scribbling. No matter how much later I come back to those scribbles I remember what the conversation was about, even if there
’s hardly a word written down.
We need to keep this in mind when working with groups as well as individuals. Mix up the way you deliver your message, have pictures and diagrams, talk it out loud but not too quickly, walk around and use hand actions. It will take practice if it’s not your preference but if you do you’ll increase the chance everyone will get something out of the session and what’s more all of you will enjoy and contribute.
So try it next time and see the results!
