FELDA students learn that drawing can be an effective communication method that can benefit them both academically and professionally from renowned TEDx speaker Ms. Natalia Talkowska.
This is the sixth part of our multi-part report on the FELDA Global Generation students’ activities in Limkokwing University’s Global Classroom initiative. Read the first, second, third, fourth and fifth part here.
Renowned TEDx speaker Ms. Natalia Talkowska, founder and creative director at Natalka Design, stopped by Limkokwing University’s London campus today to present a talk to FELDA students about the benefits of drawing as a means of communication. Students were told to close their eyes and imagine something that makes them excited, whether this was something from the past, or something they wished to experience in the future.
After students were able to picture this clearly in their minds, they were told to open their eyes and take three minutes to sketch a depiction of their daydream onto paper. Three students volunteered to show the class their drawings; fun with friends, a family holiday to the Himalayas, and a dream of becoming a DJ were all presented excitedly to the audience.
Ms. Talkowska showed students how the use of drawing, or doodling, can benefit them both academically and professionally. Adding drawings to notes can help in remembering what you’ve learned, and including a drawing in an email can inspire people to respond to you quickly and positively. Students were given examples of how Natalka Design helps businesses by teaching them how to sketch the minutes of meetings, and sum up conferences with eye-grabbing drawings. One glance at these drawings later induces memories of what was discussed at the meeting much more efficiently than explaining it in words.
Ms. Talkowska encouraged students to use fewer words and more drawings when communicating with people in future, as this makes information truly come alive. She explained and promoted the use of sketching apps for tablets, as was the use of mind maps for planning strategies. She also suggested hosting informal drawing sessions in cafes or homes, where there is no agenda or goal but to draw whatever comes naturally. She emphasised that everybody can draw; it’s not about drawing well, but communicating clearly.
Students were greatly inspired by Ms. Talkowska’s story; although she had no formal art training, she followed her passion and grabbed the opportunities available to her in order to start her business and pursue her dreams. Muhammad Redzuan Bin Mat Idris studying Diploma in Broadcasting (Radio & TV) said that he felt a lot more confident in communicating both verbally and visually after this talk. There’s no doubt that students walked away full of ideas about how to apply this knowledge in their lives.
You too could get to experience London like these FELDA students. To know more about Limkokwing University Global Classroom initiative, visit www.limkokwing.net/malaysia/academic/global_classroom.
