Handwriting more like graffiti? Hire a scribe!

Consider hiring a scribe to capture ideas during your next session, especially if your handwriting looks more like graffiti than a list of ideas. The people responsible for typing the notes will be eternally grateful, and your resource group might be, too!

The best-case scenario is to have another trained facilitator act as your scribe. The benefits are huge; they know the process and can help with other mechanics of the session like detours, timing and ensuring that each idea is captured.

If the scribe isn't a trained facilitator, you'll need to coach him or her on some of the aspects of capturing ideas on a list that are second nature to you by now.

Here are a few "scribe school" headlines:

  1. Always number the list.

  2. Write down each idea. If a little time is required to catch up, ask people to jot down ideas they want to offer on scratch paper so they don't lose them.

  3. Capture the idea as it was offered by the resource group member, not reworded or abbreviated.

  4. Use different color markers to indicate choices from the list so they're easier to see.

Even if your handwriting is excellent, it can be cool to have a scribe. When the resource group is big, or the idea-generation session intense, a scribe can be a wonderful way to keep the session moving.

Creative Resources is on the case to offer more tips on fast-moving, effective sessions!!