Flip charts might seem old school, just large sheets of paper on a stand with markers, but they’re surprisingly effective for making presentations more interactive and inclusive.
Often used in workshops or evaluation settings, flip charts offer several distinct advantages:
- Real-time engagement: As you present, you can jot down ideas from participants, capturing feedback instantly. This creates a dynamic space where everyone feels heard.
- Versatility in discussions: Pre-filled sheets help frame topics, while blank ones invite brainstorming, revising drafts, or mapping out lessons learned.
- Enhanced visibility and recall: You can stick posters on the walls, allowing everyone to follow evolving ideas and refer back during the session.
Some tips to use flip charts:
- Stand comfortably where you can write clearly and stay visible to the audience.
- Write legibly and boldly so people at the back can easily read what you’re saying.
- Use colorful, non-bleeding markers, and have plenty on hand. Nothing stalls momentum like hunting for a working pen.
- Be mindful of group size: While great for small to medium groups, larger audiences might benefit from digital alternatives for better visibility.
Flip charts transform presentations into collaborative, creative conversations. They’re simple, portable, and can spark energy where dry slides often fail.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
6 Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills by using a Flip chart
This video tutorial on YouTube provides some useful tips on how to present effectively using flip charts.
This post by 51 Elements of Learning gives a comprehensive introduction to flip charts, what to look for when buying a flip chart, its key properties, as well as links to some flip chart samples along with some substitutes to flip charts for use.
For in-depth understanding #
This guide by The CPD Standards Office gives a detailed understanding of flip charts, beginning with its advantages and disadvantages. It then explains when and how to use a flip chart effectively along with some effective tips and examples.
This guide compiled by Sreevidya Satish provides an introduction to flip charts, its advantages and disadvantages along with some tips and their applicability on preparing and using flip charts effectively.
Case study #
This research study by Muhammad Ikhsan for Jurnal Ilmiah Mandala Education aims to develop biology learning media in the form of a Flip Chart, and determine the feasibility and determine the perceptions of teachers and students towards the Flip Chart media.
The Role of Flip Charts in Improving English Vocabulary Acquisition
This study by Nur Hayati and Hidayah Nor aims to find how flip chart media is used in English vocabulary instruction and what tutors think about it. The study serves as a valuable resource for further research in the same field and significantly enhances the quality of vocabulary instruction in English.
