Before you read this, you may want to check out 9 tips for better flip charts. This is a great introduction to improving your flip charts and also includes some great flip chart examples.
As I wrapped up a day-long training session, a participant came up to me and said: “I don’t know why we don’t do more of this kind of thing. Such little changes make a world of difference.”
She was talking about my flip charts.
I like using flip charts because they can stay on the wall for an entire session (with PowerPoint I lose my image as soon as I advance a slide), I can add to them at any point (with PowerPoint, I’m mostly stuck with the slides I’ve created in advance) and anyone else in the room can add to them at any time.
I deliver train-the-trainer sessions that will not only help you improve your flip charts, but will help you connect with your learners and help them achieve their goals like never before. Send me a note and let’s talk about how we can help you excel!
Here are three major factors I’ve found to good flip chart design:
Flip Chart Examples: Preparation
When participants walk into the room and see flipcharts prepared and hung in advance it sends the message that I’ve invested some time in preparing for the session. I find that my handwriting is much neater when I can take my time, so preparing the flipcharts I plan to use in advance creates a better visual experience and just seems more professional than last-minute, ad hoc creation of flipcharts.
Having flipcharts prepared in advance allows me to go right into the next topic without having to use valuable class time to (sloppily) create the next flipchart.
As a participant, which kind of visual imagery would you prefer to have hanging around the room?
Which flip chart example shows that you are prepared for this session and are focused on the success of your adult learners?
Basic Flip Examples: Color and Drawings
Another small addition to my flipchart design that I find makes a big impact is to illustrate my key point(s). Below are two examples of a welcome flipchart with instructions. If you were a participant, would you think there’s a different tone that’s set by these different flipchart examples even though they’re using the exact same words?
The following examples show that your flip chart designs don’t require you to be a visual design expert or accomplished artist to be effective. They are just meant to add personality and show that you care about the participation of your adult learners.
Which flip chart example makes you feel more welcome (don’t just judge me on my artistic ability)?
Flip Chart Examples: Learner Created Content
One of the great things about a flip chart is that it can be used to create content during a training session. When I divide people into small groups, I’ll often have clear instructions written at the top of the flipchart to provide structure and clarity to the group discussion. If I’m capturing participants’ thoughts on an easel at the front of the room, I’m sure to write down their exact words. And when listing various points, I make sure to use alternating colors so that each point is easily distinguishable.
The following flip chart examples show the difference between a flip chart created without instructions for the learner and a flip chart created where I gave clear guidance about use of colors.
Which flip chart examples is easier to read?
About Brian Washburn
Brian Washburn is an author, speaker, and the co-founder and CEO of Endurance Learning, an instructional design firm dedicated to creating engaging and impactful learning experiences. With over two decades of experience in learning and development, Brian has established himself as a thought leader and innovator in instructional design.
His journey began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay from 1998 to 2000, where he trained farmers in basic business principles. This experience ignited his passion for education and training, steering him toward nonprofit roles where he led training teams with missions ranging from ensuring safe, permanent homes for children in foster care to eradicating corneal blindness worldwide.
Under his leadership, Endurance Learning has developed creative and unique instructor-led and elearning programs for a diverse clientele, including international NGOs, nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. Brian has facilitated workshops on presentation skills and instructional design across North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. These experiences have helped him identify and refine certain training and facilitation principles that have proven effective across geographic borders, cultures, types of organizations, age groups, and languages.
In addition to his practical experience, Brian is the author of two books. “What’s Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training” (2021) and “Instructional Design on a Shoestring” (2024). He has also contributed chapters to several publications by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), including “ATD’s Handbook for Consultants” and “ATD’s Handbook for Training and Talent Development.”
Brian holds an MA in Organizational Psychology, is a past President of ATD Puget Sound, and serves as a Commissioner for the International Accreditors for Continuing Education & Training (IACET).
