Technology offers many options for presentation when instructing. However, what about presenting information the old fashioned way, by writing it on a chart? There are many trainers who enjoy using charts because they free us up from technology, introduce a variety of presentation options in the classroom, and help keep our learners engaged during presentations. In part 1 of this blog, I’ll offer some suggestions for you, as the instructor, re charting. In part 2, I’ll share some ideas that give your participants a chance to use a chart.
TIP #1: Prepare some charts ahead of time.
I speak from personal experience when I say that not everyone has the gift of really neat handwriting. Add to that the speed at which we need to write and present information, and writing on the fly is not a great option. To avoid messy charts, prepare some charts ahead of time. Typically, if a chart will contain pictures or lots of information, you can create that chart prior to class. Flag each chart page by placing a piece of masking tape so it extends off the left edge of the page (as you look at it). Place the tape for each page a little higher than the last. This technique will allow you to easily access each sheet when you need it. While some might argue that PowerPoint is much more convenient, the use of a chart will add variety to your presentation.
TIP #2: Use a variety of colors on your charts.
Visually, color triggers the senses. By making good color choices, you can enhance the learning experience for your participants. Typically, black and blue are great choices for the main content on a chart. You can use deeper pinks, greens, oranges, and purples for variety or accent. Be careful when using brown, lighter greens, and red, as people who have some form of color blindness will have a difficult time reading these colors. For this reason, you may want to avoid those colors all together. When using multiple colors, try to limit the variety to two or three colors per chart. Using too many colors can actually distract from your message. You may even want to use keyed colors. For example, any dollar values could be written in green. Maybe categories would be written in black. In other words, be consistent with color themes, so your participants begin to identify information more quickly and easily because of its color.
TIP #3: Consider building a chart as you go.
This is not quite an “on-the-fly” chart. Some information is already written prior to class, and you add information as you speak. It will feel spontaneous to your participants, while it is actually well planned. Let’s say you want to talk about SMART objectives. You can have the letters S, M, A, R, and T written down the left side of the chart. Then as you introduce each component, you write remainder of the full word for each letter. Sometimes, having categories posted, and then adding information, is a polished and convenient way to present because it lets your participants contribute to what you write.
TIP #4: Flip it, don’t rip it.
Some instructors like to rip the pages off the chart to post them on a wall or get rid of them. Usually, rip is a good verb because who hasn’t torn a page while carefully removing it from the stand. Instead, consider turning the page. Grab the lower left corner, pull it toward the center of the page, and gently lift the page over the top of the stand. If you use the Post-It pages, grab the page at the bottom in the center. As you begin to lift it with one hand, place your other hand in the center of the next page to hold it in place. Continue lifting the top sheet until the Post-It paste has been completely lifted off the page underneath. Now you can turn the page just like a regular sheet. You may want to post your charts on a wall. Consider waiting until a break, and then remove the page from its stand.
If you teach a variety of classes, or the same course again and again, the use of charts as an instructor will keep your delivery fresh and your participants engaged during your presentations.
Jim
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