A plurality of elements is identified by a user for input to the computing system by at least one of sequential and simultaneous selection of elements presented on a display of a computing system. Based on the elements thus identified, which may include at least one operator and at least one operand, the computing system recognizes a function to be performed by the computing system and causes a visual indication to be presented on the display. The computing system thus may present a visual indication showing a connection between, for example, the operator and an operand, or an operand and a functional area of the display associated with the function to be performed as a result of the elements identified. The visual indication thus confirms to the user the elements that the user has identified, and the resulting function that will be initiated.