export_ofoct.com

[00:00.40] Do you sometimes find yourself drawing random patterns and designs during meetings and lectures?

[00:06.24] Some people believe it shows you aren’t listening or paying attention.

[00:09.96] However, there are studies which claim the opposite, and that doodling might actually be beneficial.

[00:17.66] Doodling seems to be ubiquitous. In the past it was seen as a mindless activity and a product of the absentminded.

[00:26.69] However, in 2016, an article on the Harvard University website discussed the idea that random drawings may assist memory retention and concentration.

[00:38.91] The article highlights that 26 of 44 American presidents were known to doodle, with Ronald Reagan famous for drawing cowboys.

[00:48.74] A 2009 study conducted by psychologist Jackie Andrade asked 40 people to listen to a ‘dull and rambling’ voice message.

[00:58.57] Half of the group were asked to doodle and shade in a picture.

[01:02.29] Those who did were able to recall 29% more of the information contained in the message.

[01:09.72] Some experts believe that embracing your creative and artistic sides during meetings may engage your mind.

[01:20.08] Jesse Prinz, a renowned professor of philosophy, actively encourages his students to doodle.

[01:23.54] He believes that doodling is the ‘attentional sweet spot’.

[01:27.52] And it might not just be good for your concentration.

[01:31.24] An artist known as Mr Doodle has made a career out of his scribbles.

[01:36.55] He sells his art online and also goes to people’s homes to decorate their walls.

[01:43.20] It seems that random drawing to aid concentration might be becoming more of a thing.

[01:49.04] People like Sunni Brown, an advocate for doodling, teach adults how to sketch and scribble in the workplace.

[01:57.00] So, the next time you see someone haphazardly drawing pictures during a meeting, it might be a sign that they are listening more than you think.