In many business meetings, conferences and workshops, physical (or digital) flipcharts are often used. However, many speakers and/or attendees are reluctant to use paper (or the boards) because they do not know how to significantly improve the appearance of words and sentences with very simple means.
Here are 6 tips for better designed flipcharts that can be implemented quickly:
1. write in block letters
Your personal handwriting appears always most authentic, but not many people have really beautiful, legible handwriting. In meetings and presentations, switch to block letters instead. Practice clear, legible block letters every day by taking handwritten notes. If you only write using a keyboard, you will lose your writing skills. Practice – Practice – Practice, so that your handwriting gains clarity and legibility.
2. pay attention to different font sizes
If all words on a flipchart are the same size, the viewer quickly loses orientation. Important aspects must be large, subordinate aspects must be smaller. Write headlines and keywords at least twice, better three times as large as the subheadings. As a rule of thumb (on squared paper): 1 box height for small type, 2 (or 3) boxes height for large type. (And, each flipchart needs one "Highlight". Highlight the most important key word or aspects using large letters or color -> see below).
3. use the right pens / markers
Flipchart markers should be of a certain pen thickness. It’s best to use two different pen types, a so-called wedge-tip marker that perfectly sets off large letters/words with the flat side, and a thinner pen with a rounded tip (or the tip of the wedge marker) for smaller letters/words.
4. proximity and distance
Write words and sentences at a proper distance from each other. Everything that is thematically related should be written within a small distance of each other. Sufficient spacing is a perfect way to visually different aspects.
5. colors and highlighting
Highlight central aspects by using a different pen color and / or a graphic highlighting (encirclement, speech bubble, banner design, etc.). Caution: Use such highlighting in a very measured way; if there are too many different colors or graphic highlights, which should actually create more orientation, orientation will be lost again immediately.
6. get (more) creative
Just "writing" flipcharts is boring. Practice 5 (or more) graphic designs, such as drawing a path (e.g. to visualize a roadmap), sketch people/persons (e.g. to put teams together or assign team tasks) or create emojis to visualize Do’s & Don’ts or Best case – Worst case.
Go deeper / learn more: there are many best practice seminars and books specifically on "Visualization" and "Creating Creative Flipcharts". Take some time to find the right book in your online bookshop or the perfect seminar/course via Google & Co.
Related topics:
Mini Training, Micro Training, Workshop, Events, Event, Meetings, Conferences, Workshops, Presentations, Flipcharts, Flipchart, Visualization, Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Speaker, Performer, Event Manager, Management Skills, Creativity, Handwriting
Image: Collage by eventmasterbook.com
(This text was translated from the German language. Please excuse any errors.)
Categories:
