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How to Use a Flipchart for Training Purposes

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How to Use a Flipchart for Training Purposes

 

Slide decks are useful, but they aren’t always available or interactive. A flipchart is simple, reliable, and surprisingly engaging. Used well, it can raise participation, make thinking visible, and save the day when tech fails.

Why choose a flipchart?

  • Low-tech and dependable—works in any room.
  • Invites collaboration: people see ideas form in real time.
  • Flexible: capture, sort, park ideas, and keep pages visible around the room.

Practical tips that work

Use short lines

Capture key words, not essays. Aim for 3–7 words per line; 5–7 lines per page.

Color with purpose

Assign colors to themes or speakers. Avoid all-black text. Use dark blue/black for body, bright colors for headings.

One theme per sheet

Pre-tear a few pages and title them: e.g., Ideas, Questions, Parking Lot, Actions.

Write big & clear

All-caps or clear print. 4–6 cm letter height. Face the group; write, then step aside.

Design simple layouts

Use bullets, numbered lists, T-charts, 2×2 boxes, and checkboxes. Leave white space.

Make it accessible

Prefer high-contrast colors. Underline instead of color-only cues. Read back what you’ve written.

Use sticky notes

Great for sorting ideas. Cluster, name the cluster, and photograph the board.

Think room flow

Hang finished pages around the walls. Refer back often. Build a visible “story” of the session.

Quick setup checklist

  • Fresh markers (black/blue + 2 accent colors), painter’s tape, sticky notes.
  • Title a few sheets in advance: Objectives, Ground Rules, Parking Lot, Actions.
  • Test legibility from the back row.
  • Plan when to flipchart (debates, debriefs, brainstorming, action planning).

Try these trainer moves

  • Debrief map: Draw a T-chart (Worked / Could be better). Fill with learner examples.
  • Consensus dots: Ask learners to place a dot by their top 2 ideas to prioritize.
  • Parking lot: Capture off-topic but valuable points. Revisit before closing.
  • Action plan wall: One sheet per team with 3 checkboxes: Task, Owner, When.

Related tools & internal links

FAQs

What if my handwriting is messy?
Print in all-caps, write slower, and pre-write key headers. Ask a neat writer in the group to scribe when it helps.
Which markers should I use?
Chisel-tip, low-odor markers. Dark blue/black for body text; 1–2 bright colors for headings. Avoid red-only text and faint pastels.
How do I make pages readable in a large room?
Bigger letters, fewer words, and strong contrast. Move the flipchart closer or use two easels at angles to the group.
Can I mix slides and flipchart?
Yes. Use slides for visuals or data; switch to the flipchart for discussion, sense-making, and decisions.
What about hybrid/virtual sessions?
Use a document camera or a drawing app that mimics a flipchart. Photograph pages and share with remote learners.

About the Author

Written by the Training Course Material team, creators of practical, customizable resources for trainers worldwide.



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