Jason Ewart is a Sydney-based transformation writer and speaker who obliterated obesity & demolished debt.
Previously we took a look at the DISC assessment
This gave us a framework to help us understand how ourselves and others are “wired”, and also to assist us in improving personal & work relationships.
After all, what is the cost for not improving working and personal relationships?
Today, we consider another framework that I have experienced value with, particularly in the arena of facilitating training.
It is known as VAKOG learning styles
It stands for Visual – Auditory – Kinesthetic – Olfactory – Gustatory.
Due to being “wired” differently, people learn in a variety of ways. Sometimes it is a combination of the above.
For example, I am a Visual/Kinesthetic learner.
Whiteboards, powerpoints and video work very well for me.
Notetaking helps me engage as I view a presentation and also get “hands on” by drawing diagrams, capturing quotes and writing questions inspired by the presenter.
Some people are able to learn effectively using a “lecture theatre” model. Others flourish in an “apprenticeship” environment, working alongside the “master”, getting their hands dirty.
I was able to tap into gustatory style during a presentation on meditating for an audience of young people. Equipped with my wife’s amazing cooking, I served up meditation or “chewing over” an idea from this angle. Using other resources, I also attempted to engage other learning styles at the same event.
Clients and team members are unique. Your tribe may be united by a product or service but a presentation of features and benefits or processes and systems may need to be delivered in a variety of ways.
What is the cost to your business for not discovering relevant learning styles?
Jason, your article has me thinking. (That’s a good thing!) Much of my time and energy goes towards creating an environment in church online (internet.lifechurch.tv) that engages people. We offer note taking, chat, one-on-one private prayer chats, video, social networking, and more to help people be as involved as they’d like to be. I’ve noticed some people will check into the chat room to say hi then disappear due to their preference to focus on the video message and avoid the ‘noise’ of chat. No problems there – to each his own. While I realize (unfortuneately) we cannot tap into the olfactory style online, there must be even more ways to engage with attendees.
thanks for joining the conversation Dana.
Good to see that you offer many options. I think that is the key to what I am trying to say here. There is diversity so we need to consider saying the same thing (whatever that is) in a variety of ways if we want to engage a tribe of unique people.
I suspect that you will come up with the “even more ways to engage with attendees”
Extract!
You are so right about this Jason! I too am a Visual/Kinesthetic with a dash of gustatory. Food Channel ranks high on my list of fun ways to learn and try new things. I must add that in addition to the ability to connect with your audience, the multimedia solutions you mention, also do a great deal for SEO.
Angel!
oh yes, I forgot that the “dash of gustatory” for me also. Could that be a pinch or drizzle or dollop?
Multimedia is a hot topic in 09 for connecting with people, particularly video and mobile. You mention the benefits for SEO too. In that case, I hope people click thru on the video link on this blog post.
Extract!