A flip chart is a pad of paper that is placed on an easel-like frame at the front of a meeting room. Sometimes, they are called presentation charts, other times they are known as flipovers, or flip-papers. Whatever you call them, they are the same – large sheets of paper you can use to support your presentation.

No doubt you have been into meeting rooms and seen flip charts covered with scribble or some unintelligible diagram. Often you’ll see scrawl across a flip chart and wonder what on earth it was all about.

On other occasions you have probably been in meeting rooms where the person using the flip chart has written in such a way that you can’t read or interpret what was on the page.

Used badly, flip charts will reduce the impact of your presentation. Indeed, used badly flip charts can have a negative effect, making it much less likely you will get your point across. However, used well, flip charts can make your presentation shine.

TEN REASONS TO USE FLIP CHARTS

1. They make your presentation appear to be interactive, enhancing audience involvement.
2. A flip chart is unlikely to break down or go wrong, unlike computers and projectors.
3. Flip charts can add spontaneity to your presentations, making them much more “alive”.
4. Flip charts do not need the lighting in the room lowered
5. Flip charts can be used in any room – you don’t need a special layout
6. Anyone can use a flip chart – you don’t need technical skills
7. Flip charts can be used for group exercises and audience involvement unlike a projector and slides
8. Flip charts are cheaper than most other audio visual equipment
9. People can make instant copies of your flip chart pages using their phone camera
10. Flip charts can be used together with other visual aids, such as sticky notes.