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The
physical (bodily-kinesthetic) learning style
If the physical style is more like you, it’s
likely that you use your body and sense of
touch to learn about the world around you.
It’s likely you like sports and exercise,
and other physical activities such as
gardening or woodworking. You like to think
out issues, ideas and problems while you
exercise. You would rather go for a run or
walk if something is bothering you, rather
than sitting at home.
You are more sensitive to the physical world
around you. You notice and appreciate
textures, for example in clothes or
furniture. You like “getting your hands
dirty,” or making models, or working out
jigsaws.
You typically use larger hand gestures and
other body language to communicate. You
probably don’t mind getting up and dancing
either, at least when the time is right. You
either love the physical action of theme
park rides, or they upset your inner body
sense too much and so you avoid them
altogether.
When you are learning a new skill or topic,
you would prefer to “jump in” and play with
the physical parts as soon as possible. You
would prefer to pull an engine apart and put
it back together, rather than reading or
looking at diagrams about how it works.
The thought of sitting in a lecture
listening to someone else talk is repulsive.
In those circumstances, you fidget or can’t
sit still for long. You want to get up and
move around.
Common Pursuits and Phrases
Pursuits that involve the physical style
include general physical work, mechanical,
construction and repair work, sports and
athletics, drama and dancing.
You may use phrases like these:
That feels right to me.
I can’t get a grip on this…
Stay in touch.
Get in touch with…
That doesn’t sit right with me.
I have good feelings about this.
My gut is telling me…
I follow your drift.
Learning and
techniques
If you use a physical style, use touch,
action, movement and hands-on work in your
learning activities. For visualization,
focus on the sensations you would expect in
each scenario. For example, if you are
visualizing a tack (turn) on a sailboat,
focus on physical sensations. Feel the
pressure against your hand as you turn the
rudder, and the tension lessening on the
ropes. Feel the wind change to the other
side, feel the thud as the sail swaps with
the wind, and feel the boat speed up as you
start the new leg.
For assertions and scripting, describe the
physical feelings of your actions. For
example, a pilot might script as follows: “I
feel the friction as I push the throttle
forward to start my takeoff run. The
controls start to feel more responsive as I
check the airspeed, oil pressure and
temperature. At takeoff speed, I pull back
slightly, and I feel the vibrations of the
wheels stop as the plane leaves the ground.
After a few moments, I reach down and set
the gear selector to up. I feel the
satisfying bump as the gear stops fully up.”
Use physical objects as much as possible.
Physically touch objects as you learn about
what they do. Flashcards can help you
memorize information because you can touch
and move them around.
Keep in mind as well that writing and
drawing diagrams are physical activities, so
don’t neglect these techniques. Perhaps use
big sheets of paper and large color markers
for your diagrams. You then get more action
from the drawing.
Use breathing and relaxation to focus your
state while you learn and perform. Focus on
staying calm, centered, relaxed and aware.
If you want to gain more control over your
physical state, look up some references on
Autogenics. This was a secret behind the
great Russian athletic performances over the
past few decades.
Use role-playing, either singularly or with
someone else, to practice skills and
behaviors. Find ways to act out or simulate
what you are learning.
Whether your training need is small and focused, or
enterprise-wide, you can count of Frontline Learning to deliver.
For more than 20 years we have been helping organizations
achieve their business objectives with targeted training
initiatives.
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