Those of you who know me are aware I don’t like flip charts too much. This is because they tend to be badly used, and the user is the one under the spotlight. It’s the group that should be at the centre of it all.
However, used correctly, they can be a great tool. Let’s look at just some of the positives:
Preparation
You can note your script with a light pencil on the chart. The group can’t see it but you can. If drawing is not your strength, you can project an image onto the flip chart sheet and draw it.
You can tab pre-prepared sheets to save fumbling through, looking for the right one.
You can draw a brightly coloured border for impact.
Method
Don’t talk while looking at the chart. Write, then speak, but be aware of the long silences when you are busy writing and the group are doing nothing.
Write legibly and big enough to be read from a distance. Unless you are creating a graphic, beware of using too much colour. With a word list, 3 should be the maximum.
Ask a question and wait for the response – if it’s slow in coming, just wait.
When you turn over to the next page, what you have done before is hidden. Should it be displayed and visible?
Equipment
Use the correct pens. Use ones that have a decent ink flow. Even a new pen can run out quickly and only works well again when pointed with the nib down. I recommend Neuland No.One® and Neuland BigOne®. The ink flow (alongside a large choice of colours) is excellent, they can easily be refilled and the nibs can be replaced. The wedge nib gives a bold, firm, clear mark.
- Use the right flip chart easel. Not too low, not in bad state of repair. It’s best to use one where the working area can be raised for ease of writing lower down and is better
visibility for the group. Have look at the Professional 3000 Ergo FlipChart or the B-Vario FlipChart Ergo. The image above shows a Sketch@work – it’s a table and a flip chart (portrait or landscape), height adjustable and tiltable!
If the paper you are using does not have a perforation, just score with a pin and tear off.
