Where to stand when writing on a flip-over chart?

Using a flip-over chart (or flipchart) can be very helpful when you want to bring across a certain message, clarify something, write down matters as discussed when presenting in front of an audience. A lot of people seem to struggle when using a flip-over chart and will lose the attention of the audience due to this.

Using a flip-over chart (or flipchart) can be very helpful when you want to bring across a certain message, clarify something, write down matters as discussed when presenting in front of an audience. A lot of people seem to struggle when using a flip-over chart and will lose the attention of the audience due to this. Recognize the following?

• The presenter stands right in front of the flip-over chart and starts writing on it. The audience can’t see what the presenter is doing / writing / drawing.
  
  
• The presenter continues to talk towards to flip-over chart and the audience has difficulties to hear what is being said.
  
  
• When the presenter steps away from the flip-over chart the audience can see what is written / drawn, but as the presenter immediately starts with the next topic the audience doesn’t have time to read the flip-over chart.
  

Some of this is relatively easy to resolve by how you position yourself in relation to the flip-over chart and the audience. When you write with your right hand you can best stand left to the flip-over chart and “push” your left shoulder against the left side of the flip-over chart. You can then write with the marker in your right hand and look to the left to see what your are writing / drawing. Your audience can see what you are doing as you are not standing in front of the flip-over chart blocking their view. When you need to say something it is easy to look back at the audience.

 

When you write with your left hand you will stand on the right side and “push” your right shoulder against the right sight of the flip-over chart (opposite as described above).

 

You can find more tips and tricks on how best to use a flip-over chart during your presentation in the book Public Speaking Excellence, that is part of the Public Speaking Kit.

The Public Speaking Kit also contains high quality markers that you can use during your presentation. Visit our store to compile your own personal Public Speaking Kit.