How to Deliver a Chart Talk

Here's how to do a chart talk.

A chart talk is when, following a graphic recording, the graphic recorder verbally summarizes the content of the chart and walks through the highlights. I think presenting a solid chart talk is a fundamental skill that every graphic recorder should have. There's 3 things to keep in mind when doing a chart talk.

1. Presence

Everybody falls into an introverted headspace when graphic recording. The world fades away as you focus on what you're hearing and what you're drawing. It can be a little jarring to come out of that space and project to a large group. Stand up straight, take a deep breath, put on your game face, and PROJECT.

2. Summarize Don't read every word!

Doing a word-for-word report out is the fastest way to suck the energy out of a room. Instead, just mention the highlights. If your content follows the hierarchy of GLANCE, Scan, read, study, keep it to the SCAN level, or in other words, the headers of each major section.

3. Invite additions

Ask the participants what THEY heard at each section. "Did I capture everything correctly? How's my spelling? These things don't come with spellcheck!" Have something to take notes with and transcribe later; don't slow down the momentum of the group to correct the chart. Chances are, if they share anything it'll be something you've already captured, and if not, great! You can always add it later. Presence, Summarize, and Invite Additions.

If you want more on how to deliver a solid chart talk, check out the book Graphic Facilitation by the Grove Consultants.