How to use a Flipchart
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Oct
Setting up and using a flipchart for training sessions
Posted by Ryan Thomas
Set up the easel and chart before starting - don't struggle in front of the audience. Bring your own pens - don't rely on the ones at the venue working properly. Special flip chart markers are best - they don't 'bleed' and they don't smell too badly.
Have a title page (possibly with your name on as well) and leave it until you are ready to use the chart so as not to distract. Pre-prepare some pages so you don't keep people waiting - especially if using diagrams. Make feint outlines in pencil that only you can see to help with spacing and print size. Print your letters - joined writing is difficult to read and all capitals tires the eyes! Leave some blank pages between sheets so the writing does not show through. Writing should be about 2.5 inches high - stand at the back of the room and ensure it is legible. Think in terms of about 7 words to a line and maximum 7 lines of writing per page. Leave space on the page for comments to be added by your audience.
Dark colours are best for text - use colour to highlight or for diagrams. Yellow, orange and pink are difficult to see at the back of the room. Stand to one side - don't obscure the chart or have your back to the audience (write 'sideways' if possible). Write short crib notes in normal size in pencil at the bottom corner of the sheet to remind you what's coming up next. The audience won't be able to see them.
Have a good supply of rubber bands to keep the chart pages neatly rolled up. Always summarise the main points - these could be written separately on thin card and blu-tacked onto the sheet point by point.
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