Visual minuting – a creative way to record meetings

In our latest blog, we talk to Carrie Lewis, visual practitioner at New Possibilities. Carrie is an expert in visual minuting - a visual form of communication to record meetings in words and pictures, on large visual displays. The team at New Possibilities have more than 20 years of experience in producing real time graphic recordings for a range of businesses and organisations.

Carrie, who also specialises in coaching, leadership and mentoring, is set to deliver an informative training session for us, An Introduction To Visual Minuting, which will see her discuss what visual minuting is, how to do it and why it is so beneficial.

What is Visual communication/minuting?

Visual minuting is a form of visual communication. The visual minute is made up of a mixture of graphics, pictures and text, which creatively captures information at live events, conferences and meetings of all kinds. The visual minutes, also known as a graphic record, records the talks and speakers, ideas, energy and the essence of the conversations taking place in the room in real time. 

How does it help people?

There are numerous advantages to using visual minuting over standard flip charts, minutes, power points and post it’s.  Visual minuting is inclusive and actively encourages creative engagement, it acknowledges and validates all contributions.  Visual minutes are colourful, vibrant, creative and attractive, people are naturally drawn towards them as they appeal to all learning styles.

The visual minute allows people to be able to see the whole picture at a glance whilst being able to identify the key messages, themes and patterns and helps people to gain new insights.

Why is it so important to include in meetings and events and why should it be widely used in ‘mainstream’ environments?

Visual minutes or graphic record is a great way of being able to absorb large amounts of information. You have heard the phrase “a picture tells a thousand words” - visual minuting proves this.  They are easily engaged with and understood more than words alone, such as a report or traditional minutes.

The process of visual minuting is constantly checked for accuracy, it encourages creative thinking and forms a group memory. The process of visual minuting strongly supports problem solving, planning work, public engagement and more importantly, it supports strategic thinking and strategic planning at the same time as clarifying the possible strategies and other complex information or problems.

What will the introductory course offer you?

The course will provide an insight to what visual communication/minuting is and why you would want to use it, the impact of using visual communication and the associated benefits of visual practice along with how and when to use it.  You will also get the opportunity to try it for yourself. You will learn the first steps of becoming a visual practitioner and learning to visually communicate along with a good awareness of the skills, abilities and knowledge needed.

The free session will take place on 29 June from 10.30am to 12pm. It is open and free to anyone working or volunteering in the charity of voluntary sector within Chesterfield, as well as students and staff from the University of Derby who live, work in or care about Chesterfield.

Visit our Eventbrite page to find out more and to reserve your free place.