Jul 05, 2025·8 min
How AI Tools Help Visual and Verbal Thinkers Work Better
Learn how AI tools help visual and verbal thinkers plan, explain, and create—using images, voice, and text—plus practical workflows and tips.
Learn how AI tools help visual and verbal thinkers plan, explain, and create—using images, voice, and text—plus practical workflows and tips.
People often describe their thinking style as “visual” or “verbal,” but it’s less like two separate types of brains and more like two common ways of processing information.
A visual thinker tends to understand and remember ideas through images: sketches, diagrams, spatial relationships, color, and “seeing” how parts connect. They may prefer a quick drawing over a long explanation, and they often spot patterns or inconsistencies by looking at a structure (a chart, a layout, a flow).
A verbal thinker tends to work through ideas with words: talking, writing, reading, and organizing language into clear sequences. They may clarify a problem by describing it, drafting an outline, or asking precise questions that narrow down what matters.
Even if you lean strongly one way, you’ll probably switch modes depending on what you’re doing. Planning a project might start as a messy mind map (visual), then become a numbered action list (verbal). Reviewing feedback may be easiest as bullet points, while brainstorming a new concept might be faster with rough sketches.
AI can support thinking by translating between formats—turning notes into diagrams, diagrams into summaries, voice into text, or scattered ideas into an outline. But it doesn’t “know” your goals unless you provide them. You still decide what’s true, what matters, and what to do next.
In the rest of this article, we’ll look at how multimodal AI tools handle images, text, and audio; where they help most in everyday work; practical workflows for switching between visual and verbal modes; and common pitfalls to avoid.
AI isn’t limited to chatting in text. Many tools are multimodal, meaning they can take in (and sometimes produce) words, images, and audio. That matters because you can start in the format that matches how you naturally think—then translate it into a format other people (or future-you) can use.
Text-based chat tools are best when you already have thoughts in words, even if they’re messy.
For example, you can paste rough meeting notes and ask the AI to:
The tool “speaks” in paragraphs, bullets, and structure—helpful for verbal thinkers and for anyone who needs clarity.
Image-capable tools can analyze a picture and respond in text. You might upload a photo of a whiteboard, a sketch, a slide, or a messy diagram and ask:
Some tools can also generate images from prompts, which can help visual thinkers explore variations quickly (layouts, concepts, mood boards), then choose one to refine.
Voice tools let you dictate instead of typing. A common workflow is:
This is especially useful when ideas arrive faster than you can type.
A “chat” tool is usually optimized for dialogue and writing. An “image” tool is tuned for describing, extracting, or generating visuals. A “voice” tool focuses on capture (transcription) and hands-free use. Many products combine these capabilities, but the strengths still differ.
Multimodal AI can be impressive, but it can also:
Treat outputs as a strong first draft, then add your intent, constraints, and final judgment.
Most people don’t need AI for “big ideas” every day—they need help with small, frequent moments where thinking gets stuck. The best uses are the ones that remove friction from your normal workflow.
AI is especially useful for:
If you think visually, AI helps most when you can see the problem: convert a rough sketch or a screenshot into a written summary, ask for a mind-map-style outline, or turn scattered concepts into labeled groups you can rearrange.
If you think verbally, AI shines when you can talk it through: dictate a voice note and have it turned into structured bullets, ask follow-up questions as if you’re in a conversation, or request a clean draft based on your spoken explanation.
When you’re stuck, the issue often isn’t the idea—it’s the format. Moving from words → visuals (an outline into a simple diagram) or visuals → words (a sketch into a paragraph) shifts the work to a channel that feels easier. That reduces cognitive strain and makes decisions more straightforward.
Start with the format that feels easiest right now:
Then ask AI to translate it into the other format once you have something concrete to work with.
Visual thinkers often start with a blur: fragments, sketches, arrows, and “I’ll know it when I see it.” AI can help by turning that blur into something you can label and refine—without forcing you to write a perfect paragraph first.
If your thoughts arrive as clusters, ask AI to propose a mind map outline you can paste into your favorite tool. Give it your rough notes (even incomplete), and request:
You’re not committing to the structure—you’re generating a starting “canvas” to react to.
Even if you don’t consider yourself “artistic,” AI can translate abstract concepts into clear visual directions. For example, ask for:
The win is speed: you can iterate by tweaking a prompt rather than redrawing from scratch.
If you sketch a workflow on paper or take a screenshot of a whiteboard, AI can help turn it into:
This is especially useful when you need to document your thinking after the fact.
Many visual thinkers struggle not with content, but with layout decisions. Ask AI for slide-layout suggestions based on your goal: hierarchy (what should be biggest), grouping (what belongs together), and flow (left-to-right vs. top-to-bottom).
A practical prompt: “Give me three layout options—minimal, balanced, and data-heavy—then explain what each optimizes for.”
If you think best by talking, reading, and shaping ideas in sentences, AI can act like a patient editor and note-taker. The goal isn’t to replace your voice—it’s to help you capture it faster and make it easier for other people to follow.
Verbal thinkers often get momentum while talking, not typing. Use dictation and voice notes to get raw thinking out of your head without slowing down.
For meetings, AI transcription can turn a messy audio stream into usable notes: speaker-separated text, action items, and decisions. A helpful habit is to end a meeting recording with a 20‑second summary in your own words—AI can use that as a strong signal when generating the recap.
Once you’ve got a transcript or a rambling voice note, ask AI to shape it into:
This is especially useful when you have too many ideas and need a “good enough” structure to react to.
AI is strong at cleanup tasks: simplify complex sentences, shorten paragraphs, remove repetition, and adjust tone (friendlier, more formal, more confident). Paste a paragraph and specify what you want to keep: “Keep my phrasing where possible; only fix clarity.”
When you know what you mean but can’t quite say it, ask for 5 analogies tailored to your audience (customers, executives, kids). Then pick one and have AI refine it into a single sentence you’d actually say.
If you want to go further, save your best prompts in a personal template doc (see /blog/prompt-library).
Some tasks start as a picture in your head, others as sentences. Multimodal tools make it easier to move between formats without losing the thread. Treat AI as a translator: image → explanation, speech → structure, bullets → story.
Start with anything visual: a rough sketch on paper, a screenshot, a whiteboard photo, or a messy diagram.
Ask AI to describe what it sees, name the parts, and infer what the diagram is trying to show. Then request a cleaner version: “Turn this into a simple 5-box flow,” or “List what’s missing or unclear.”
Use the response to revise the image (redraw, simplify labels, remove extra arrows). Repeat once more with the updated picture as a quick clarity check.
If you think out loud, record a 2–5 minute voice note and transcribe it with speech-to-text.
Prompt AI to extract: a one-sentence purpose, 3–6 main points, and a logical order. Then ask: “Convert this outline into a diagram description: nodes + connections.”
Build the diagram in your tool of choice (mind map, flowchart, sticky notes) using the node list as your starting point.
Begin with rough bullets (not full paragraphs). Ask AI to propose a slide-by-slide storyline: titles, one key message per slide, and suggested visuals (icon, chart, example screenshot).
Only after the narrative makes sense, add visuals to support each message.
Save your best prompts, keep 1–2 key intermediate versions (outline/diagram spec), and finish with a short “final summary” that captures decisions, assumptions, and next steps.
Good prompts are less about “clever wording” and more about a repeatable pattern: context + goal + audience + constraints. If you’re not sure where to start, write one sentence for each, then ask for multiple options so you can choose.
Pattern: Context → Goal → Audience → Constraints → Options
Diagram-first prompt
Context: I’m planning a [project/meeting/training] with these points: [paste bullets]. Goal: Turn this into a diagram-first plan. Audience: Me and one teammate. Constraints: Use a simple flowchart with 6–10 nodes. Options: Give 3 diagram structures (timeline, decision tree, hub-and-spoke). Describe each and tell me which fits best.
Metaphor prompt (to “see” the idea)
Context: Here’s the topic: [topic]. Goal: Help me understand it as a visual metaphor. Audience: Non-experts. Constraints: Give 3 metaphor options, each with a labeled “map” of what corresponds to what.
Layout prompt (slides / one-pager)
Context: I need a one-page overview of [thing]. Goal: Propose a layout. Audience: Busy stakeholders. Constraints: Header + 3 blocks + a sidebar; each block max 40 words. Options: Provide 3 layout variations and explain the trade-offs.
Outline prompt (clean structure)
Context: Here are my messy notes: [paste]. Goal: Turn them into a clear outline. Audience: [who]. Constraints: Use H2/H3 headings; keep it under 400 words. Options: Give 3 outline options (problem-solution, chronological, Q&A). Recommend one.
Clarity prompt (tighten language)
Context: Here’s a paragraph I wrote: [paste]. Goal: Make it easier to understand without losing meaning. Audience: Smart non-specialists. Constraints: Keep the same length; replace jargon; highlight changes as bullets.
Role-play prompt (pressure-test reasoning)
Act as a skeptical reviewer. Context: My claim is: [claim] and my support is: [bullets]. Goal: Find weak spots and suggest stronger wording. Constraints: Ask 5 tough questions, then propose 2 improved versions (cautious vs. confident).
When you get results, don’t settle for the first pass. Use a follow-up like:
Give me 4 alternatives with different tones (direct, friendly, formal, playful). Then ask me 3 questions to pick the best one.
This keeps you in control: the AI generates variety; you decide what fits your intent and audience.
It’s easy to treat AI like a faster keyboard or a quicker sketchpad. The bigger win is using it as a thinking partner: something that helps you explore options, test your reasoning, and translate fuzzy ideas into clearer structure.
When you feel stuck, don’t ask for “more ideas.” Ask for movement:
This works for visual thinkers (who can then pick a few to sketch) and verbal thinkers (who can turn the best options into a short outline).
AI is useful as a “second set of eyes,” especially when you’ve been staring at the same plan for too long.
Try: “Review my plan and point out gaps, assumptions, missing steps, and risks. Then suggest a revised sequence.”
If you have a diagram, paste a quick description of it (or an image, if your tool supports it) and ask for the same critique.
A good idea fails when it can’t be communicated.
Ask for two versions:
Then compare: the short version reveals the core message; the long version reveals missing logic.
For choices that feel subjective, ask for structure:
“List pros/cons of option A vs B, then give me the key questions I should answer before choosing. Highlight what would change your recommendation.”
You’re still the decision-maker—but AI helps you see the decision more clearly.
AI can feel like a superpower for both visual and verbal thinkers—until small mistakes compound into bad decisions or bland output. A few guardrails keep the benefits without the headaches.
Models often sound certain even when they’re guessing. This is especially risky when you’re using AI to “explain” a diagram, summarize a meeting, or generate a plan.
Treat AI output as a draft, not a verdict. Ask for sources, assumptions, and alternatives (“What might be wrong with this?”). For anything important—money, health, legal, public claims—verify with primary references and a human expert when needed.
If you paste prompts and publish the first result, your work can start to sound generic. To keep your style:
Avoid sharing client details, internal docs, passwords, financial info, or anything covered by NDA. When you need help with structure, use placeholders.
“Client A,” “Project X,” and “$AMOUNT” usually work. Save the real details for your local notes and final edits.
AI-generated visuals can accidentally resemble copyrighted styles or specific works, and text can echo phrasing it has seen before.
If you’re creating public content, keep a record of your inputs, credit any human sources you used, and run a quick originality check on key passages. When in doubt, rewrite in your own words or use licensed assets.
Use AI to think faster—not to outsource responsibility. Build a final “human pass” into your workflow: check facts, tone, accessibility, and whether the output matches your intent.
A lot of people try AI once, get a decent output, and then forget what they asked—or can’t recreate the result next week. The fix is simple: treat AI like a step in your workflow, not a one-off helper.
Instead of asking for “a full plan,” break the work into short stages you can repeat: clarify the goal, gather inputs, generate options, pick one direction, polish.
Single-purpose prompts are easier to debug and reuse:
Before prompting, run a mini checklist:
This keeps visual and verbal thinkers aligned: you’re naming the information and the artifact separately.
Save a few prompt templates you can copy into any chat:
Store these in a notes app so they’re always ready.
You don’t need a complex setup. A reliable stack is:
If you want to formalize it, keep one “Workflow” note with links to your templates (for example: /blog/prompt-templates) and a short “definition of done” for common tasks.
If part of your workflow is turning ideas into something shippable—not just clearer notes—tools like Koder.ai can extend this “translator” concept into building software. You can describe an app in plain language (verbal) or start from a rough spec (visual structure), and Koder.ai helps generate a working web/mobile/backend project you can iterate on via chat, export as source code, and deploy.
AI tools can make work materials easier to access by letting you choose the format that fits you best: read, listen, speak, or look. That flexibility can be helpful for many learning preferences and neurodivergent work styles—without assuming any diagnosis or making medical claims.
If you process information visually, it can help to turn a block of text into a diagram, a step-by-step flow, or a set of labeled “tiles.” If you process information verbally, it can help to turn a messy sketch, screenshot, or meeting notes into clear sentences you can react to.
Practical options to try:
When reading feels slow or overwhelming, AI can help you reduce the load:
You stay in control by asking it to keep meaning the same and to flag anything it’s uncertain about.
For people who think out loud—or who want more confidence speaking—AI can provide:
If you share sensitive details, use tools and settings that match your privacy needs, and consider anonymizing names or data before uploading.
AI works best when it matches how you naturally process information.
If you think in pictures, use AI to generate quick visual options, turn screenshots into structured notes, and convert messy ideas into maps you can reorganize. If you think in words, use it to talk through problems, draft outlines, compress long documents into clear summaries, and test phrasing until it “clicks.”
The real advantage is multimodal: you can start in your strongest format and then translate into the other when you need to communicate, decide, or ship.
Pick one recurring task (weekly update, proposal, content draft) and track for two weeks:
If you want more workflows and prompt templates, browse /blog. If you’re comparing tool options or plans, see /pricing.
Visual thinking means you process ideas through images, spatial relationships, and “seeing” connections (sketches, diagrams, layouts). Verbal thinking means you process through language—talking, reading, writing, and sequencing ideas into words.
Most people use both; the mix often changes by task.
Try noticing what you do when you’re stuck:
Also watch what helps you remember: images/structure vs. wording/phrases.
Because the “best” format depends on the task. Planning might start as a mind map (visual) and end as a checklist (verbal). Brainstorming may be faster in sketches, while documenting decisions is often clearer in bullets.
Switching modes is normal—and useful.
Use AI as a translator between formats:
The key is to provide your goal and audience so the translation matches what you need.
If you’re stuck, change the medium:
Format shifts often reduce mental load and make decisions easier.
A good workflow is:
Treat the output as a draft—verify that it matches what you meant.
A practical pipeline:
You get both clarity (outline) and a starting structure for a diagram.
Ask for a “diagram spec” in text that you can build in any tool:
Prompt example: “Convert this outline into a 6–10 node flowchart description with arrows and decision points.”
Common pitfalls include:
Build in a quick human review for facts, tone, and intent.
Start with a repeatable template and save what works:
Keeping templates in a single note (e.g., a personal prompt library) makes results easier to recreate.