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How to Use a Flip Chart
The chances are you
have sat in a meeting room, stared at a flip chart that
has some scribble on it and wondered what demented mind
could have produced such scrawl. That's because most
people who write on flip charts have no idea how to
get the best out of them.
The flip chart is the most commonly
used audio visual aid in business, yet it is the only
one that people think they don't need to be taught how
to use. The amazing scribble we see every day on flip
charts is testimony to the fact that there is a clear
lack of understanding on how to get the best out of
them.
AIM FOR CLARITY
For most meetings the only audio visual aid is a flip
chart. Hence if you can use one well you will be getting
your points across better and be more persuasive and
influential. To achieve this, what you put on the flip
chart needs to clear. This means planning in advance
what will appear and how much space you will allocate.
If possible draw up your flip chart in advance in light
pencil - you'll be able to see your guide marks, but
others in the room won't. Indeed, if you draw diagrams,
charts, tables and so on in advance in light pencil
your finished drawings as you go over them with the
marker pen will astound your audience!
GO LARGE
People often write their flip chart test in letters
that cannot be read by anyone else in the room; the
letters are fine close up to the chart, but a few feet
away are meaningless. To be sure that your flip chart
text can be read by everyone in the room aim for letters
that are at least three inches tall. Also, do not write
in capitals, they are difficult to read. Instead print
in lower case, no-joined up writing. Also, avoid underlining
text as this makes it difficult to read. If you need
to emphasize particular words then you should use a
different color.
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE
If you want to be really impressive, you should write
up and draw your flip chart pages in advance. Use plenty
of colors and separate each of your pre-prepared pages
with some blank sheets. That way you can make notes
as your meeting progresses, then turn to your next pre-prepared
page for discussions.
Whatever you do, though, when you write
on your flip chart you should stand to one side and
face the meeting room as soon as you have finished.
That way you talk to the people in the meeting - not
the flip chart. Plus your colleagues can read what you
have written. All to often people in meetings stand
in front of the flip chart and talk to it, rather than
communicating with the people attending the meeting.
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