We continue our series of tips and tricks for those who train, present or facilitate meetings – tips designed to save you some time and make you look professional.

Use chisel tip flipchart markers for writing on flipcharts, never white board markers, which lose their color quickly when used on paper. For a professional look, even when you’re creating charts extemporaneously, try these ideas:

• Use scented markers to keep from asphyxiating your participants. Mr. Sketch makes a nice set (with scents like cherry and mint), and they do not bleed through onto walls or other surfaces.
• Use dark colors for text; black, green and blue will be most readable from the back of the room.
• For lists on flipcharts, alternate between two different colors to help participants distinguish between items. With a little practice, you can alternate between markers quickly and smoothly.
• Use only the top 2/3 of the flipchart page since participants may not be able to see below that.
• Plan in advance to use your hanging space wisely. Once you hang flipcharts keep them in the same spot, even if the session runs multiple days, since participants get used to looking for flipcharts in the same place.
• Never trash flipcharts while participants are still in the room. Even though they know the flipchart info is often just a means to an end, it’s still disheartening for them to see their work balled up and pitched in the trashcan.
• And when a marker runs dry, THROW IT AWAY IMMEDIATELY. Don’t put it back in the pack or on the ledge for someone else to re-discover that it has seen better days.