8 Effective Ways to Use Flip Charts as visual aids and Transform Your Workshops
Flip charts as visual aids may seem like a relic of the past. But don’t poo poo flip charts; they have various benefits for collaboration and learning techniques that will stand the test of time. If you are remote, you can also simply replace them with the digital equivalent. Regardless of how we’ve evolved because of technology, flip charts remain a trusted companion in boardrooms and workshops.
However, many digital interactive tools today save time and make your workshops more impressive. Even so, you can consider hybrid interactive tools that combine flip charts with other measures. This article will explore the most engaging hybrid strategies when using flip charts in workshops. But first, let’s define what flip charts are.
What are flip charts?
A flipchart is a stationery item that uses large paper sheets fixed on a frame to provide visual communication and presentation. We can use flip charts for diagrams, demonstrations, brainstorming, notes, etc.
Flip charts have an enduring vitality and versatility, making them valuable visual communication tools. They are also one of the most impressive visual communication tools. They are economical and can be added quickly and allow for creativity and spontaneity.
The flip chart allows real-time engagement with participants and active involvement. It will enable spontaneous ideas, sketches, and diagrams to come to life, fostering creativity and collaboration. They are also a great tool to increase the clarity and quality of contributions from everyone.
8 ways to use flip charts as visual aids
When flip charts are positioned correctly, they subconsciously become the center of focus, clarity, and sustained engagement. However, it’s not just about adding a flip chart. You need to be strategic about using flip charts to achieve the best results. Here, we will discuss proven steps you can employ to use flip charts as visual aids in your workshops effectively.
Prepare flip charts for workshops in advance.
We often physically write on flip-charts in real time to engage participants. Consider also preparing some of those flip charts for your workshop in advance to control the room and set the right energy and atmosphere.
Prepare your visuals ahead of time when you want to make a big drawing or framework, instead of turning your back too much during the workshop. You can prepare the flip charts with key headings and themes while a few parts are added as you speak. Preparing the flip chart in advance will also reinforce your connections with your audience and provide a structured starting point for discussion. Don’t forget to leave pages where necessary to account for word collages or other such interactives that don’t have a framework or image to support them.
Turn flip charts into interactive whiteboards.
You can use a hybrid flip chart, which includes a built-in projection screen and combines the versatility of pen-on-paper interactivity. Hence, this creates the ideal place for brainstorming.
This is one of the most effective ways to use flip charts as visual aids. You can encourage participants to write their ideas, draw diagrams, or add sticky notes to your already prepared setup. This, in turn, can be added to a digital whiteboard offering the best of both worlds.
Digital sticky notes and collaboration apps
Another brainstorming technique using a flip chart involves creating a few key visuals first. These visuals will work alongside digital sticky notes and collaborative apps. Hence, participants can use their smartphones and tablets to add digital sticky notes, cast votes, and contribute to the collaborative boards. This hybrid setup is also perfect for idea-sharing and brainstorming. Plus, as people see their own words appear on a flip chart, they feel a sense of ownership, which drives engagement.
Some collaborative on line tools are:
Use flip charts as visual aids for memory enhancements.
Using a flip chart with a few key visuals allows you to place them around the room for reference and reflection. When participants walk into the room and find flip charts hung in advance, it also sends them the message to prepare for the session.
This is an excellent way to use flip charts as visual aids. The visuals around the rooms make it easy to call back to a point and reference it. There is an added benefit of special anchoring that people remember it and where it was in the room to recall that point.
Host Poster Dates
Additionally, you can do poster dates. These are intentional reflection breaks to discuss the lesson and takeaways in pairs or small groups. These reflection points often happen before or after a break for 5 minutes.
For example, you can group participants into pairs where they will teach each other what they learned from that poster and as they teach it to another they not only help someone else learn a new way of experiencing the poster but it re-enforces it for the teacher with more detail and nuance. Then, they can also share what actions they will take as a result of the lesson.
Collect Ideas and Vote
You can use the flip charts to collect ideas on sticky notes. In this case, participants will write down their thoughts. Then, they can vote on the ideas and create a prioritization system. For instance, 3 dots will be provided to each person so that each person can choose the top 3 ideas that promote the most potential value. Also, ideas can be collected on a sticky note or index card and then asked to add it to one of the categories provided, clustering together similar ideas to see where the greatest need and momentum might be.
Sign commitments on flip charts.
Another innovative way to use flip charts as visual aids is for commitments. You can have values or other commitments posted. Then, ask your group to sign those posters that show their obligations. Signing creates a deeper connection to their public commitment and supports greater ownership and accountability.
Create personal flip charts as mementos.
Consider creating a personal page for each participant or having them make it on their own towards the end of the workshop. This personal page would have an important message or purpose they can take up and hang on a wall as a reminder. This might be appropriate if you are creating personal mission statements or something of that nature. Creating individual flip chart pages will serve as a memento of the workshop and encourage personalization and connection.
Conclusion
We can never overemphasize the enduring value of flip charts as visual aids. They remain a versatile tool that adds spontaneity and collaboration. Consider using these hybrid flip chart strategies to spice up your workshops. You will love the connection, personalization, engagement, communication, and collaboration power they bring to make your workshops memorable.
