Find the language before handing over the work.

During the pandemic, I facilitated brand-building classes for business owners. I taught them how to block, shape, and refine their brand: begin with a rough direction, work through the choices, and develop the language.

The purpose was to help people understand what they wanted before hiring a creative to help grow their business. We worked through the creative-development process so they could take part in those conversations.

More recently, I’ve facilitated AI-literacy sessions for creative-industry learners and working professionals. My last three groups had four to eight participants. We discussed AI literacy in the current work climate and why it matters to their work.

I adjusted the agenda to the group, leaving time to check understanding and hear different needs. It can be hard to tell what a room understands if the presentation keeps moving.

Creative Algebra moves through four phases: orient, prime, tune, and pursue. I draw on writing techniques, including Method Writing, and frameworks such as Gapswork to help people express what matters and work through their choices.

In a session, that means making room for questions, trying language out, and deciding what to do next. The exercises serve the work someone has brought into the room.