Most people have no problem saying what is on their mind. Some of us say a little too much sometimes! But there are those who are not blessed with good communication skills. Words fail them. They are forced to find some other way to communicate. They turn to speaking with the “visual language”. When words are not available, visuals of colors, actions, or shapes become the alphabet used to spell out our needs.

Communicating with the Visual Language is an art that is older than any other form of communication. The caveman with the larger, fiercer looking physique was easily read as the one to watch long before he had a verbal language for establishing his orders. Hieroglyphs drew the histories of man long before a written language. And what creatures do not communicate with colors, shapes, and forms of body language? The psychology of color is understood by humans and beasts alike. The basic alphabet of graphic design that we teach in ArtToDesign.com art classes is the alphabet with which we all first learn to speak long before we say “momma”. No matter what language you verbally speak, you visually show your thoughts in one, universal language of line, shape, and form. If we all learn the art to communicating with the Visual Language, then we all might have an easier time being understood and, in turn, understand.

Learning to read graphics can help us understand how to communicate on a more advanced level. Words can only say so much. A picture speaks volumes. As a story developer for animated films, I know that the important message will be read, not in the words the script speaks, but in the visuals the children watch unfolding before them. If I can turn the volume off on a film and still understand what is going on, then I know I am using my visual language skills properly. When you have a little over one hour to tell the entire life story of several characters and make people care about listening, you do not have enough time to say every detail aloud. Most of the important information is shown through action, colors, and the way shapes move. There is a subliminal language speaking to the viewer’s brain, filling in the information that his ears do not hear. Mastering this silent speech can help you learn to say more than words can say.

I am an artist and filmmaker not a psychologist. But as a storyteller of twenty some odd years, I can tell you how speaking with the Visual Language works. You do not have to be a professional artist to use the rules of design. You probably are designing your life already without even knowing. Ever wear the “power tie”? A dark, crisp suit is sharply contrasted by a bright, red tie. Like an arrow, this tie aggressively points to the executive who wants to stand out in a conference. How many times has your mother told you to sit up straight, comb your hair, and wash your face? She knows that how you look speaks to people about how you are. Body language is a visual language that can speak out when words fail you. This form of “talking” is the way all of us first communicate long before we can say “momma”. How many times have you asked someone a question and judged the validity of their response through the visual language more than the spoken words? Their response sounds like the truth, but they do not make eye contact and shift from side to side as if looking for a way to hide. Their visual language tells you that their words are lying. If we remember our visual language skills, we can hear more than what is being said and understand a little better. We might not get so caught up in the mess created by bad verbal skills if we can see what is being said.

If you are interested in hearing more about designing your life and improving your communication skills with the visual language, then stop by Sue Nichols’ site at ArtToDesign.com for monthly lectures and advice.

Sue C. Nichols
www.ArtToDesign.com