When you buy a new piece of technology such as a TV, camera or cooker, do you read the instructions, throw the instruction book away and figure it out by trial and error or do you seek out someone to show you how the new gadget works? When seeking travel directions, do you look at a map, ask someone for directions or just follow your nose? Everyone will have a preferred way of approaching these and many more tasks yet very often we do not appreciate that in work as in every other aspect of life different people will learn in different ways. I have heard comments like “How many times do I have to explain this to him before he gets it?” or “How many times do I have to show her before she gets it right?” Very often it is not the fault of the receiver of the instruction but more the approach that the giver has chosen to use. The approach is typically based on what works best for the giver themselves and seldom takes into consideration the possibility that the receiver may not learn the same way.

There are 3 basic learning styles. These are Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic. A person with a visual preference will typically read the instruction book, an Auditory person would prefer to get advise or listen to instructions from someone else and the Kinaesthetic person will just get stuck in the figure it out through trial and error.

We can all learn through the 3 different styles yet we also do have a preference for one and possibly two. If you are in a position where you are required to teach or train someone else or indeed are ever in the position where you have to explain something new to someone else, you would do well to take the time to find out what style the person you are interacting with learns best through and adjust your approach accordingly.

Some people have a talent for recognising the learning style of a person through close observation and interpretation of speech and body language and it is something that can be developed over time. For example if you hear someone say, “I see what you mean”, this would indicate that the person has a visual preference. “I hear what you are saying” – you guessed it – this person would have a preference to learn through auditory means and “That doesn’t feel right” would be a signal that this person has a kinaesthetic learning preference style.

If you are not yet gifted with the ability to interpret learning styles of observation alone fear not. There is a simple tool you can use that can be found at www.businessballs.com .Do a search on the site using the word “VAK”. This is a quick multiple-choice questionnaire that while not scientifically based is in my opinion a very good guide to identifying a person’s predominant learning style.  Try is on yourself and see how accurate it is.

The next time you find your chosen method of explanation or demonstration is not working, before you throw in the towel, take a few moments to establish the person’s preferred learning style and adjust your approach accordingly. If for whatever reason, you are unable to figure out what style is best, use them all, show them, explain to them and let them try it themselves or just ask them what approach would work best for them.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article in more detail please contact us at Tel: 061-467287 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fergal O’Connor is a Business and Personal Life Coach working in partnership with his Business and Private clients providing a supportive, confidential, challenging and non-judgemental environment to make their ambitions and dreams a reality. Fergal also facilitates a range of Management training programs and is available for public speaking engagements. Fergal can be contacted at Synergy Coaching Services, Tel: (061) 467287, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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