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One way to add
impact to your next presentation is to dump PowerPoint and use a
Flip-Chart.
More than anything
else, Flip-Charts allow for spontaneity as you draw
pictures that illustrate ideas. They also require that
you simplify your ideas, which is always a good thing.
Three Questions on a
Flip-Chart
We worked with the
President of a large manufacturing firm as he prepared to address
his sales force. Standing in front of them, he wrote three questions
on a flip-chart.
He said, “These
are the three questions that many of you ask me over and over
again. You deserve answers. So let me answer each one.” The presentation blew everyone away.
Another great
example of how to use a flip-chart is demonstrated by the UPS Whiteboard
Guy, the star of those cool
UPS Whiteboard advertisements.
While UPS
Whiteboard Guy uses a whiteboard and not a flip-chart, it’s the
same concept. He starts with a few drawings and then fills in the
rest of the diagram as he tells a story. The effect is to keep the
audience engaged as they follow along. That’s exactly
what the best flip-charters do.
Seven Keys to Using
Flip-Charts Well
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Create your
flip-charts in advance. Don’t expect to be able to write cleanly
and clearly on the spot.
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If you use
drawings, do the drawings up to a point. Draw the rest in light pencil so that you can use the lines as a guide
when you’re live.
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Leave blank pages
between prepared sheets. This allows you to add ideas as you go.
Similarly, leave room for more ideas at the bottom of each page.
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Have a conclusion
page to summarize ideas.
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Write big.
Letters and numbers should be at least three inches high.
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After the
presentation, hand out a
summary of all notes made on flip-charts.
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Practice your
presentation using your flip-charts.
At Speechworks we
help our clients learn how to communicate in a way that connects and
persuades. If you’re interested in becoming a great communicator
give us a call at 404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net. |
