Messages are coming at us at a rapid pace. The information highway is dense, crowded and zooming past us at a head spinning rate. Messages come through multiple sources, and we can access them at anytime and anyplace, on our desktops, laptops, tablets and smart phones. But are we getting any ‘smarter’ about how we deliver messages to ensure they are heard, and most importantly, stick?
Visuals are more than icing on the cake, they are the glue that makes messages stick!
Visuals are eye-catching and appealing, but the best small businesses know that visuals do more than make them look good. The marketing industry knows visuals will help them stand out, capture the attention of consumers, and cut through the noise to ensure their message rises to the top. Marketers know that visuals give their message the “sticky” factor.
What makes visuals sticky? Visuals communicate ideas faster than text and auditory messages alone. A simple picture can enter the brain subconsciously without us even knowing it, making visuals a highly effective strategy for a brand reaching its customers.
Think about the last message that stuck for you. It was likely a picture that stuck in your head long after seeing it. It likely moved you to think differently or see things in new ways. A simple image has the power to evoke emotion, increase interest, engage the brain, and tap into long term memory. Visuals stick in the minds of onlookers, making them an influential means for communicating ANY message well. So why aren’t we using visuals to frame ALL of our messages?
Visuals can influence thinking TODAY to impact thinking for TOMMORROW
Humans are moved to act when their hearts and minds are activated.We are entering a strange new decade, and small businesses are scrambling to navigate volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). Everyday there is more to learn, more complex problems to be solved, and more important challenges to overcome. Now more than ever, there is a need to tap into creative solutions to problems we never expected. Progress in a VUCA world requires people to be emotionally connected and feel inspired to take action.
Emotions are inextricably linked to decision-making. A good “sticky” visual can release endorphins that make us feel more creative and relaxed. Endorphins help us pay attention, increase brain activity, and enhance our ability to deal with pain and stress. A visually stimulating message opens the brain to more creative thinking.
What makes a visual sticky?
Sticky visuals are simple, unexpected, concrete, and often tell a story or create a story in the heads of consumers. Visuals allow deep learning to set in and linger long after the learning is over.
However, not just any visual will do. Selecting the right image is key. Even with the litany of downloadable images on the web, a visual can fall flat and miss the mark if it doesn’t serve to frame your message well.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know how to draw to capitalize on visual messaging. Hiring a graphic recorder can heighten your visual “stickiness.”
Graphic recorders (also known as graphic facilitators) provide a real-time translation of conversations or presentations in text and pictures. They draw out ideas as they surface in meetings, discussions, conferences and events. Imagine a more dynamic interpretation of your power point slides where visual stories come to life while you speak. It’s an influential way to make your messages stick in the hearts and minds of your audience.
Graphic recorders can use visual messaging to help you:
Tell a story
Document an idea
Shape a vision
Capture a mission statement
Paint a picture of a past, present, and future
Communicate complex timelines
Integrate multiple perspectives
Synthesize a brainstorm
Complement, or even replace, the need for a slide deck
Using visuals to frame your message can influence how your message is heard and understood, and more importantly taken back into the context in which our message is intended.
Consider the frames we put around a piece of artwork. A brown frame would draw out the landscape, a green frame would pull out the grass and the fields, and a blue frame would draw out the sky. Our choices about which visuals to use help draw the viewers in, help them focus on certain aspects, and touch the emotions and senses in a way that captures the human spirit!
How are you using visuals to make your messages stick? Learn more about graphic recording by visiting framethemessageink.com
How many remember the long-running TV Series, Lost in Space?
The show first aired in 1965 and creatively told the story of a family of space colonists struggling to survive in the depths of space. It was also the birthplace of the catchy phrase now often used to warn of impending threat, “Danger Will Robinson, Danger!”
The show aired at a time just a few years before I entered the real world, but oddly, I couldn’t feel more closely connected to this intergalactic family than I do today, in the year 2020. After many months of swimming in this endless abyss known as Covid-19, I feel much like the characters in this far-out story, “Lost in Space.”
I am a small business owner. My business is under threat. I live day-to-day drifting amongst the landing and launching pads, trusting that the force of gravity will pull us back to earth again soon. I stay afloat by praying this seemingly infinite space won’t swallow me and my business whole. I hold on to the hope that my tether will withstand the multiple pivots and bounce backs required of me. I put in the hard work it takes to stay relevant in this new and strange universe. I remain optimistic that one day I’ll be prepared to re-enter the atmosphere where I once felt at home.
Who could have imagined in 1965 that we’d be experiencing a similar, pioneering adventure in a VUCA World?
“VUCA”- a trendy term short for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity- describes where we are today, in a constant, unpredictable state of change.
Businesses and industries like mine are clawing to keep from succumbing to the strong force of VUCA on their business success and viability. Business owners all around the world are ALL shouting, “Danger Will Robinson, Danger!”
As businesses, organizations, non-profits, churches, educational institutions, anyone who contributes to the well-being of the earth, it’s people and its economy, we are ALL in danger. But it may not be the type of danger we think.
#1- Danger of fearing the unknown.
We are all doing business in new virtual spaces. Sometimes it feels like we’re going “where no man has gone before.” But in many ways, we HAVE been here before. If we are smart, we learn from the past and prepare differently for the future. When the future is unknown (which it always is), CREATIVITY is the air we breathe. In its absence, people notice!
Avoid making the unknown scary. Help people visualize possibilities, seek opportunities, and see themselves in a bright and hopeful future.
#2- Danger of remaining unchanged.
Re-inventing business practices requires getting off the hamster wheel. When the methods we try aren’t working, we shouldn’t be running faster and harder. We should be thinking CREATIVELY! This means stepping out the box and discovering new ways of looking at both the problem and the solution.
Change can be overwhelming. Help people visualize ideas from different perspectives and through diverse lenses. Help them see things in ways they haven’t before.
#3- Danger of staying isolated.
We all await the day where we’ll have our safe landing. But are we prepared for what our industries will look like when we return to earth? Will there be new lifeforms? Will we need to acquire new tools and skills for survival? Will we work together in new and more advanced ways? Will we be CREATIVE enough to step into to this new reality?
Challenge the vagueness of the term, “collaboration.” Are people truly collaborating in ways that strengthen the way teams think and visualize a collective future? Are there opportunities to receive and respond to information in ways that invite ALL types of learners to the table?
Now that we are in the 21st century, the accuracy of the series storyline is surely a bit questionable, but there is one important lesson that can be taken through the centuries. If you think we can return to earth without the key to re-entry, CREATIVITY, stop yourself and shout, “Danger Will Robinson, Danger!”
Contact taryl@framethemessageink.com if you’d like help thinking creatively about your next project!
Think about the last time you attended a meeting, or conference. What did you learn? If you can’t remember, it’s not surprising.
For me, going to a conference is somewhat like camp. I learn a lot and leave uplifted and singing Kum-ba-ya; but the euphoria of learning fades quickly after the experience is over. As someone who has attended hundreds of meetings and conferences, I’ve been imagining a better way of capturing data by harnessing the energy in the room in a way that lingers long after the meeting is over. That’s why I created Sounding Boards, an interactive visual experience for meeting and conference goers.
sounding board: a device or agency that helps propagate opinions or utterances
Here are three reasons to Sound Off!
1- Capitalize on the energy in the room by capturing real conversations happening when people gather in passage ways or networking spaces. Sounding boards are set up in a high traffic area somewhere near your networking space. I’ll listen and solicit feedback on your thought-provoking question(s), then simply create pictures around the stories they tell. You can count on me to spark conversations around a pre-determined question or specific content; or have a team member present and introduce yourself and get in front of potential clients. This can be an excellent strategy for exhibits and trade shows. Why not hear what they have to say, and build products and services around their real needs?
2- Capture real-time data often missed on written surveys. Most people are tired at the end of a day of learning, and opportunities to capture audience perspectives in the form of a survey are lost due to sheer mental overload. A few key questions asked on your survey can make for great visual content on a sounding board. Perhaps a compelling question like, “What is fueling your learning today?” or “What do you hope to learn?” Whatever the question, decide what is important for you to know, and then let the sounding boards speak for themselves!
3- Generate a buzz around your content! Social media has given a platform to the cross pollination of ideas, allowing ideas to extend beyond the walls. Common spaces at conferences are often buzzing with attendees bouncing ideas off one another and sharing their learning socially. Don’t be too surprised to see Sounding Boards making an appearance on Twitter and Instagram using your business or conference hashtag!
So, your turn to sound off! What other ways do you see Sounding Boards working for your learning spaces?
There are many items on our wish lists that make their way under the tree during the holiday season. Wrapped tightly in holiday paper and bows are clothing and shoes, that will be donated after their newness wears off, trinkets that will be tossed away once we tire of their worth, and digital devices that will become obsolete seconds after they are opened. Yet the most popular gift request made year after year, never seems to make it under the tree.
This year, I was surprised by a gift I never expected. One that I didn’t ask for, but one that surprisingly still keeps on giving.
On New Years Day, the death of a beloved aunt prompted a cross country road trip to the funeral. The very day I was planning to spend a special anniversary with my husband, suddenly turned into packing winter gear and mapping our direction towards a small town in southeastern New Mexico. Not what I had planned, but necessary as a demonstration of love and compassion for family.
But, why did this have to happen now? It was the first week of January, and the excitement of 2018 was beckoning!
I was anxious to take down Christmas decorations, clean the garage, and set new goals and resolutions for myself and my business. The calendar was awaiting a long list of things to do.
But If I were to be perfectly honest, nothing on my calendar held that much urgency. There was nothing that couldn’t be set aside long enough to set forth on the journey. So off we went, taking along my mother and father to visit more relatives along the way.
My husband has a way of convincing me to take time. He is a walking example of what it means to take time for himself and others. He shows through his actions, not just his words, that he’ll drop anything to make time for another. It’s an example I try to follow. And in this case, I’m glad I did.
Because a funny thing happened by the time the week was over. In giving my time, I received things in return.
I met new family members on the family tree, and spent time cherishing those who planted their roots. I saw new places, and mapped the routes of my ancestry. I heard new stories, and laughed at stories I’d heard millions of times before. I had no other choice but to sit back and let the journey lead me; and in doing so, I was able to leave the things I wanted to do behind, in order to do what I needed to do for others.
In 2018, I am learning the true meaning of gift giving. I must give of my time, in order to receive the benefits of it!
The true gifts in life cannot be bought. They require no money, nor the sacrifice of earthly goods. They merely require patience, gratitude, kindness, compassion, and unselfish acts of love for others.
Time is fleeting. What will you do until time runs out?
With the rise of technology at full blast, we as American’s rely solely on our electronic devices. How did we ever function without Google, MapQuest, or Siri?
Although technology has made our lives astronomically easier, it is not always a good thing.
In support of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, the Stomp Out Bullying organization has declared November 1st as National Block it Out Day. This day encourages the community to take a break from technology in order to support the cause of cyberbullying awareness.
I think we could all benefit from a break from technology. The average American adult spends a s three hours of their day on their mobile phones.Think about all the free time you would have if you weren’t constantly updating Facebook. You may actually find some time to live in the moment!
You can still catch my collaboration with Vicki Davis: The Cool Cat Teacher which discusses the severity of bullying and cyberbullying inside and outside of schools, as well as possible solutions for educators and families.
Watch the video:
October is a busy and fun-filled month, with Halloween, the school semester in full swing, and preparing for the holiday season to come. However, within our hurried schedules, we shouldn’t miss the opportunity to bring awareness to an ever-pressing epidemic in the lives of students. October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
I recently experienced the tragic loss of a friend and colleague. She was a huge supporter of confronting the challenge of bullying in schools, and so I committed to doing something in honor of her charitable spirit and heart for others. I wanted to use my Picture This! Webcast Series to bring awareness to one of society’s biggest hidden problems, bullying and cyberbullying. I searched far and wide for the perfect content to capture.
Then one day, I listened to a podcast by Vicki Davis: The Cool Cat Teacher on iTunes called Every Classroom Matters. Vicki Davis is a well-known author, blogger and tech guru, but most importantly, she is a full-time classroom teacher. If anyone had the heart and experience needed to advocate for this cause, it was her! Vicki was kind enough to share a recent interview that aired on her 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, providing meaningful content to capture visually and share during the month of October.
One small step at a time, we CAN do this together! To view a video of our collaboration on YouTube click here.
With the rise of technology, bullying has made its way into the digital sphere. Throughout the month of October, help us share this important message and put a stop to this ever-growing, ever-changing problem!
October will be ending soon. But, the cause continues. There are many ways you can stay involved throughout the year. Starting on November 1st, National Block it Out Day. On this day you can show your support and advocacy by abstaining from social media and digital networking. Post your story at #cleanthemean and $1 will be donated to the cause.
For more resources, or to help someone you know who is being bullied, visit PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and remind them Stop, Block, and Tell.
We CAN do this TOGETHER! What ways have you found to help someone being bullied?
Every October, artists all over the world take on a drawing challenge, creating one ink drawing a day for the entire month of October.
#Inktober was started by Jake Parker in 2009, where he challenged the visual world to up their visual game and create 31 drawings in 31 days during the month of October. I think it’s a great idea, one I wish I’d thought of! What better time to engage people around visual imagery than around a holiday where visual intrigue and stimulation is at its peak?
I happened upon this challenge on Instagram a year or so ago, and I was intrigued, yet far too intimidated to participate. But, the more I read about #Inktober, the more spellbound I become with @mrjakeparker and his vision for this annual tradition.
#Inktober wasn’t created to compare artistic talent, but with a sense of growing and improving, and developing positive drawing habits and contribution to a visual community. – Jake Parker
Last year, I apprehensively contributed a drawing or two, but felt completely out of my league. The talent and artistry from contributors just blew me away!
But this year I’m a different artist.
I am an artist who is committed to practicing art more consistently; and one who is willing to practice and learn the techniques that I’ve long admired in others. This year I’ve decided to take the challenge as a testament to what it means to learn and grow as a graphic recording artist with Frame the Message Ink.
So, let’s do this. Let’s #Inktober!
If you’d like to join me, here’s Jake’s challenge: 1) Make a drawing in ink; 2) Post it online; 3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2017 and, 4) Repeat!
Follow my spooky journey through Facebook @framethemessage, Twitter @framethemessage and Instagram @framethemessageink
This past year, I experienced a dream come true and conquered one of my greatest fears all in a single heart-stopping endeavor. My TEDx video: Mastering the HeART of Communication was released to the world this last week!
Exposing my victories and my struggles with learning wasn’t easy. Preparing my TEDx Talkvalidated how important visuals are for my learning style, and now I’m hopeful others will see value in exploring the world of visuals with me!
Words alone can’t express how thankful I have been for the opportunities I have been given. The chance to live the life I’ve imagined, build the business I’ve dreamed of, Frame the Message Ink, travel the world, visit countries I’ve never imagined, and to share my journey with the TEDx world. These experiences are simply unimaginable, and could never be expressed in words.
Words couldn’t come close to describing the people I’ve met, like Elen Sparks Agency, Alysia Dahir, or Taylor Wellman. Nor could they describe what I’ve felt in my heart for others who have inspired my story, and guided my path. There are no words to describe these things; but there are vivid and colorful images.
Images I hold in my head of goals envisioned, actions realized, and ambitions achieved.
And images of the people who have held me well.
Thank you to everyone who helped me actualize this dream. It is something I am proud of, and will forever hold dear as memory of a dream come true!
There are no words to adequately say, “Thank you!”
Please help me share my TEDx video: Mastering the HeART of Communication widely, and help inspire others on their journey to a love of learning!
Labor Day marks a time of new beginnings. All great reasons to celebrate!
The Labor Day holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.
Labor Day weekend pays reverence to families and friends being together away from the daily grind.
In Arizona, Labor Day marks the slow change in temperature that welcomes the fall.
Labor Day seems to come more quickly each year. This year was no exception. In the blink of an eye it was here, then gone; and now I’m already starting to consider what Halloween costume my dog might wear this year.
I don’t know where the time goes, but what I do know is that I’m here staring down another month gone on the calendar; and stepping one day closer to Christmas!
With so many holidays to look forward to in a calendar year, I haven’t often put much thought into the meaning behind Labor Day. I know it began from a huge labor movement in the 1800’s and that we get a long weekend once a year to eat barbecue and drink beer. But what homage do we owe to our ‘laboring’?
I come from an extraordinarily hard-working family. But, I think everyone would agree, that most American families work hard to make ends meet, and count on every paycheck to live out their own American dream. We all work hard, and deserve a Monday off in honor of our ‘labor.’
Labor requires effort, both mentally and physically.
Labor involves exertion of energy, by body, mind, machine or of natural forces.
Labor produces something.
Businesses emphasize the ‘why’ in the workplace, to strengthen cultures, foster resilience and improve work ethic. So, what is the ‘why’ of your work? For the lucky Americans who love their jobs, the ‘why’ is easy. When you can say, you love your work, a daily pursuit of these seems easy. But to every laborer, no matter what the status or task of your work:
A labor of love is work done for interest in the work itself rather than for payment.
There are millions of Americans out there, giving of themselves to do amazing work, by living their ‘why.’ I am inspired by these change champions. They challenge everyone to do more than just put in the time, and take the paycheck.
Recently, I’ve encountered some incredibly inspiring people who have reminded me what it means to labor in love.
I recently met Bryce Cleveland on the radio show Money Marketing Mindset. Bryce is the creator of Scalp Aesthetics, and he developed a micropigmentation procedure for those suffering with hair loss. He lived his ‘why’ by seeking out kids with cancer from all over the country and freely giving this procedure to re-instill confidence and hope for children who were suffering. That’s a labor of love.
I met Alisa Glutz in the process of illustrating her book, Color My Credit. Alisa is passionate about helping individuals rebound from bad credit that stems from life events. She lives her ‘why’ by giving of her time and services to transform the lives of women and men drowning in the despair of bad credit, and helps them make a fresh start and live the lives they’ve imagined. Another labor of love.
Do what you love. Love what you do. Do this, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Perhaps there is more to this Labor Day than I once thought. If time flies the way we know it will, the next Labor Day will be here in a flash.
Who remembers the pound sign? No one anymore. Hashtags have taken the world by storm, inspiring trends and revolutionary ideas.
At first glance, hashtags are just a symbol to apply to your social media status to connect others to your post. Sometimes they’re something silly like #NationalNachosDay, but sometimes they are meant to create community or draw attention to a pressing subject. For example, November 7th, 2017 is committed to four-legged friends everywhere. Through the hashtag #CanineLymphomaAwarenessDay dog owners everywhere can share their testimonies and receive help and advice from fellow pet lovers.
Hashtags do more than just commemorate a single day of the year, they also inspire viral social and political movements.
Some of the most powerful tweets this past October included the hashtag #MeToo where Women could share their testimonies and encounters with sexual harassment and misconduct. The hashtag was originally popularized by the actress Alyssa Milano, who encouraged women to speak their truth publicly through the hashtag. The hashtag has accumulated hundreds of thousands of tweets across the globe and it is still growing. Women and men alike have been brought together to bring awareness to a tragically present subject and provide support for each other.
With the ever growing presence of social media, we seem to loose connection from one another. We feel less of a need to interact and socialize on the outside, because we have every social outlet available to us from the comfort of our homes with just the click of a button.
Hashtags have become a way for us to use that power for good, and create connections with people that we would otherwise have never met. And that is the power of the hashtag!
Throughout the month of November, I will be celebrating one each day through daily illustrations on my Frame the Message Ink social media platforms. Join me, and let’s delve into the power of the hashtag, together!
Facebook @framethemessage
Twitter @framethemessage
Instagram @framethemessageink
