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11 Tips
for Using Flip Charts More Effectively
(c) 1996 LJL Seminars
While everyone seems to be interested in creating
high-tech computer generated presentations, the flip
chart still continues to be the most effective
presentation media of all. One should not assume that
investing a lot of money in high tech visual aids &
equipment will "make" your presentation. The best
visuals have been and still are the simplest. Remember,
the purpose of using visual aids is to enhance your
presentation, not upstage it.
Since most presentations are delivered before small
groups or 35 people or less, the flip chart is the
perfect size. I feel the flip chart will continue to be
the workhorse of most training seminars.
There are several advantages of using a flip chart. Here
are just a few:
Flip charts do not need electricity - You don't need to
worry if the bulb will burn out or worry that you forgot
the extension chord.
Flip charts are economical - They do not require you to
use any special films or printers to produce them.
Color can be added very easily - An inexpensive box of
flip chart markers allows you all the creativity you
want.
Flip charts allow spontaneity - Any last minute changes
can be easily made.
In today's world of high tech computers, fancy software
and sophisticated infomercials, many presenters today
feel they have to create a presentation which shows off
their ability to use computers and their latest clip art
library.
Although the software available today does allow
everyone the ability to create colorful slides and
overheads, we often find that the visuals become the
presentation and not the speaker. As a speaker, your
visual aids should not be the presentation. You are!
Even though flip charts are low tech, they are reliable
and don't require any special skill to use them but here
are some tips to help you use them successfully.
1. The best flip chart stands have clamps at the top and
will hold most type of flip chart pads. Most allow you
to hang your flip charts while some stands will only
allow you to prop them up. Don't wait until the last
minute to find this out.
2. Make sure the flip charts you use will fit the flip
chart stand you will be using. Some have different
spaced holes at the top.
3. Flip chart pads are usally sold in packages of two
and come either plain or come with grid lines on them.
Using the pad with grid lines makes your job easier for
drawing straight lines and keeps your text aligned.
Also, make sure the pad has perforations at the top to
allow easier removal of sheets. I have seen many
presenters struggle to tear off a sheet evenly.
4. When preparing your charts, it is best to first
design your charts on paper first before drawing them on
the actual flip chart pad.
5. Lightly write your text in pencil first before using
the actual flip chart markers. This will allow you to
make any adjustments with text spacing and any figures
you will be drawing. Do NOT use all block letters (UPPER
CASE). Using upper and lower case letters makes it
easier to read. I like to use the 7 x 7 rule. Have no
more than 7 words on each line and no more than 7 lines
to a sheet. Using a 6 x 6 rule is even better.
6. Use flip chart markers and not regular magic markers.
Flip chart markers will not "bleed" through the paper.
Also, they do not have as strong a smell as regular
markers. You can also find "scented" markers as well.
They usually come in various fruit scents.
7. Avoid using the colors yellow, pink, or orange. These
are extremely difficult for the audience to see. Don't
make your audience have to strain their eyes to see your
points. Avoid using too many colors. Using one dark
color and one accent color works best.
8. You can write "lightly in pencil" any notes next to
key points you need. The audience won't be able to see
them. You may also write what is on the next sheet.
Knowing this will allow you to properly intoduce your
next sheet.
9. If you make any mistakes you can use "white out" to
correct any small errors. For larger areas, cover the
mistake with a double layer of flip chart paper and
correct the error.
10. Have a blank sheet of paper between each of your
text sheets. This will prevent the written material from
other sheets to "peek" through.
11. Properly store and transport you flip charts in a
case of the cardboard box that some come in. This will
protect your flip charts and keep them fresh and ready
to use each time. Take great care of your flip charts. I
have some flip charts I have used over 100 times and
they still look as good as new.
Making "prepared" flip charts can take a considerable
amount of time. Make sure you start preparing your
charts early enough so you can rewiew them and make any
changes or corrections before hand. It takes practice to
learn how to print neatly. If you do not have neat
printing, ask someone who does prepare them for you. A
poorly prepared flip chart can be very distracting.
The most important point to remember in preparing your
flip charts is to start preparing them early.
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- Lenny Laskowski
- Lenny Laskowski is an international professional speaker and the author
of the book, No Sweat Presentations - The Painless Way to Successful Speaking and several
other publications. Lenny is also available for hire to speak to your organization,
college or association. Lenny also provides in-house seminars and workshops. Why not
contact Lenny today for your next function or event. Lenny can be found at his Web site, http://www.ljlseminars.com/ or can be contacted by
email at the following address: Sales@LJLSeminars.com.
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