I recently did a post about using flip charts--also called “Vintage PowerPoint”... by me--and I’d like to share a few tips about using them effectively.
First a review. Using a flip chart over PowerPoint is good in three cases:
- For shock value. People expecting a normal presentation with slides aren’t expecting a flip chart, dry erase board, or chalk board.
- For emergencies. If the PowerPoint got lost, roll with the punches by drawing your conclusions--heh, yes I did.
- For collaboration and participation. When there is a big blank space, everyone can fill it together!
Reasons 1 and 2 should only be done on very rare occasions. If you’d like to use flip charts more often, ie. for reason #3, remember that you still need to prepare. Practice what you’re going to draw until the final picture matches what’s in your head--and can be recognized by others. Practice giving the presentation while drawing at the same time. Do it until you draw without thinking about it.
For during the presentation, pre-draw mini-versions of the final flip sheets in your notes, or the different stages of a finished sheet for more complex designs. That way you never have to stand frozen, trying to remember which squiggly line came next.
And finally, remember to prepare both the flip chart and video conference together. Position camera and chart so that people can clearly see what you are writing; zoom in if possible. Practice drawing on camera in a way that won’t block the participant’s view of the whole sheet.
Bucking digital trends and going analog is a great way to connect with your video conference participants. Give it a try on your next one, and report back here in the comments section.
