Sometimes you read an article that just makes you shout, “Man, that is so right on!”

Such is the case of an article I read in the October, 2009 issue of SCN, Systems Contractor News, www.systemscontractor.com

The title of the article is “The Visual Channel:” http://tinyurl.com/yab2k2e

And it’s written by Paul Chavez, director of systems applications for Harman Pro Group. pchavez@harman.com

The first two sentences of the article made me realize I had found a kindred spirit.

“Everywhere I go, I carry a pencil and a small notebook in my back pocket.  I don’t use them every day, but they are there just in case I can’t express an idea in words . . .”

That is most definitely I.

I am no artist, but I’ve incorporated diagramming, or imprptu drawing, in my communication throughout my career. 

It started with my early days as a multi-camera and single-cam director, where I always knew the value of having having floor plans and/or storyboards available for the crew and cast.

I remember how during the heat of a shoot, my impromptu squiggle of a storyboard, with just a circle for a face and arrows coming out the eyes (to illustrate screen direction) could quickly communicate a shot to the camera team. (And the hilarity of my ridiculous minimalist drawing style also helped break on-set tension.)

Paul Chavez further presents academic-based evidence on why such a complementary communication approach is effective in getting points across.

And I know that from firsthand experience as well.  Case in point: 

I was downsized from a production company over three years ago.  I was one of the VP’s and the GM.  Part of my responsibility in that position had been to cover some of the company’s sales. 

Well, you can imagine how in every subsequent interview for new employment I was asked to explain how I seemingly failed at that sales situation. 

I found that after readily admitting that I was not without fault,  it was also very effective to draw a free-hand chart of how the company’s business model had changed over time.  This impromptu drawing technique allowed me to engage the interviewer in a different manner.  It always seemed to convince the interviewers that my being downsized was not necessarily a reflection on my performance.

And I still use drawing today in my sales efforts.  For example, any one who has interacted with me of late knows that I am a firm believer in using social media for marketing.  (see my article, Real world example on Why I Twitter: http://tinyurl.com/q6uxfh )  At networking events, I often pull out a piece of paper and sketch my believe on how a good blog is the engine that drives all of that.

And having that paper and pencil ready also signals two other things:

Confidence: in order to diagram a message, I find that I really need to know what I’m talking about.

and also, it signals that I value the customer.  I am demonstrating a willingness to go the extra mile to facilitate communication and understanding.  People appreciate that.

Even when I have a prepared PowerPoint presentation, I still like to have an easel with a large pad of paper or a blackboard or dry marker board handy.  I find that having those available and visible let’s your audience know right from the start that you are willing to customize the formal presentation to meet their specific needs. 

Hey, rock bands know this, right?  Come on, admit it, how much do we appreciate it when our favorite band finds a way to customize OUR concert and make us feel that we are special?

Paul mentions a book in his article: “The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures.”  I have looked it up on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/2v5rcz  I look forward to reading it.  There’s proably a lot more to uncover.  (The book is at the top of my holiday wish list – hint to my wife and daughter.)

Thanks again to Paul Chavez for validating my crazy diagramming tendencies.

Do you use diagramming in your communications as well?  I welcome your comments below.

Hey, if you enjoyed this blog post of mine, you might also like to read my blog article: ”Knowing when to be an Order-Taker, an Up-Seller or an Advisor:”  http://tinyurl.com/ya6gzkt

Remember to contact me for all of your media replication and related multimedia needs: dryan@videolabs.net   301-217-0000 x104

And follow me on Twitter  www.Twitter.com/DRMediaSolution for more media news & info along with exclusive short-term deep discounts on services.