Participants draw together. First they will see the ambiguity in all language. Seeing the difference in how each person thinks of a single noun shows how much is lost in using words. This goes beyond the non-verbal, it incorporates the fullness of life experiences.

I have given this exercise to several hundred people and almost all the participants had a big aha. The exercise begins with a warm up (dot line blog courtesy of Amanda Lyons). When everyone posts on the walls, I point out that the variability offers information - information we might not be able to understand, but the information is there.

The next part is a longer investigation into a single noun. Participants work individually and in groups. After we post, we will talk about what people see. I am eager to hear how people who think visually interpret the drawings.

I will finish with some talk about how this exercise is now being used. This is a tested exercise in that other people are now able to give it to a wide variety of groups for different purposes. Since we will be among friends, I will also explain a little about where physicists are at with consciousness and how this exercise fits in with new brain science findings.

Key takeaways

Tool: Another way to use drawings with clients - the everybody draws model.

1. Knowledge: Brain science and consciousness - how visuals access parts of of the mind that surpass language. A small understanding of cutting edge knowledge.
2. Knowledge: An introductory awareness of how experience impacts communication.
3. Confidence: Participants will have an opportunity to see more and hear how much they see.