Flipcharts

A flip chart is a stationery item consisting of a pad of large paper sheets. It is typically fixed to the upper edge of a whiteboard, typically supported on a tripod or four-legged easel. Such charts are commonly used for presentations. The flip chart is thought to have been invented by Peter Kent who built one to help him in a presentation.

A variety of paper sizes are used from the floor standing through to the smaller table-top versions, subject to the country's adopted paper sizes. These include A1, B1, 25" x30" through to 20" x 23“. Text is usually hand written with marker pens and may include figures or charts. A sheet can be flipped over by the presenter to continue to a new page.

Flip charts are used in many different settings such as: in any type of presentation where the papers pads are pre-filled with information on a given topic for capturing information in meetings and brainstorming sessions in classrooms and teaching institutions of any kind to record relevant information in manufacturing plants a creative drawing board for Art students a palette for artists in “life-drawing” classes for strategy coaching for sports teams for teaching

Core Benefits of Flip Charts *according to Andrew Dlugan of Flip Charts 101 Flip charts are both a static display tool (like slides or props) and a dynamic creation tool (like a whiteboard or the ubiquitous back of the napkin). This versatility offers many key benefits to speakers, including: Writing or drawing on a flip chart is an active process, and energizes the speaker. Whenever I step up to the flip chart, my energy levels rise.

Audiences ask more questions Audiences ask more questions. I don’t really know why, but perhaps it’s because the scribbles or sketches on a flip chart feel less permanent (than electronic slides), and thus more open to questioning and dialogue. Writing takes time, and this provides healthy pauses for your audience to absorb information or take notes.

Flip charts and brainstorming go together like peanut butter and bananas (yummy!). One of my favorite training techniques is using a flip chart to record brainstorming sessions. I ask questions, and then speedily record responses shouted out by my audience. Flip charts are low tech and analog. You don’t need to worry about passwords, projector bulbs, or extension cords — just present! (I’m not saying they are better than slides; rather, I think speakers should master both options.)