Ah, my years-long love affair with the flip chart.

Even with the countless tech tools that are at our fingertips, sometimes you just can’t beat the simple value of a good flip chart during a training session or workshop. Despite technical difficulties and dead batteries, the dependable flip chart is always there, a go-to visual aid, presentation asset and teaching tool.

I couldn’t begin to tell you how many packs of flip chart paper and how many dozens of markers I’ve gone through in my career, but what I can tell you is this:

Effectively using a flip chart while facilitating is an acquired skill. An art form, even.

The good news? With a little practice, it’s a skill that can be mastered. Even if you’re not an artist. Even if you don’t have fantastic penmanship. It’s possible!

Here are 10 tips to improve your flip-charting prowess:

1. Use dark colors, like black or blue, for your text. Avoid hard-to-read colors like yellow for writing.

2. Use separate pages for separate ideas. Don’t try to cram too much onto one sheet!

3. Post your flip chart pages on the walls for reference throughout your session. Self-stick flip charts are perfect or this. If you don’t have self-stick, keep a roll of masking tape and/or painter’s tape handy!

4. Even if you’re not an artist, add graphics, pictures or flowcharts on your flip charts when it makes sense. A visual representation can often be retained better than a page full of words.

5. A great trick for remembering nuggets, notes or stats to write on your flip chart is to write a reminder on the page VERY LIGHTLY in pencil…you’ll be able to see it up close, but your audience won’t. You can also do this with graphics or drawings – sketch lightly in pencil, then trace over it in marker when you’re ready!

6. Print clearly. Take your time, if your penmanship isn’t the greatest! Don’t attempt cursive – it’s too hard to read, especially from the back of the room.

7. Stand to the side of the flip chart/easel as you write, so you don’t block it.

8. Along the same line, avoid talking “at” your flip chart while you’re writing on it. Face your audience so they can hear you AND see what you’re writing!

9. Always use markers that have a relatively broad tip, so they can be seen clearly from the furthest points in the room. I’m a total marker snob – Mr. Sketch is the only flip chart marker I will use. Trust me on this one…Mr. Sketch is the best. Accept no substitutes.

10. Avoid using red or green markers – studies show that 7-10% of the population have red-green colorblindness. This condition makes it very difficult to distinguish these colors. I never gave this much thought until I learned that a good friend of mine has this condition; since learning this, I try to be aware of this possibility with my participants.

Just like learning how to use PowerPoint or other technical tools effectively, a little effort and practice goes a long way with more “traditional” presentation skills. The humble flip chart still has a place in today’s training session; using this method with confidence will enhance your “stage presence” and better connect you to your participants!

Free Resource! Click the button to download these 10 tips…be kind and share with a colleague!

Your turn: What flip chart tricks of the trade have you learned throughout your career? Share a tip with others in the comments below!

 

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