Using Flipcharts in Online Sessions#

Tags guides facilitation flipcharts visual aids online delivery

Note

This guidance reflects different approaches we’ve seen work well. Your style and context will influence which approach fits best.

In brief#

Visibility matters less than you think: Participants don’t need to read every word - they need to see you writing
Write large, write less: Keywords and phrases, not sentences
The writing is the engagement: Capturing ideas in real-time shows you’re listening

About this guide#

Flipcharts are a key visual anchor in Better Conversations sessions. In online delivery, they work differently than in-person - participants may not be able to read everything clearly, but the act of writing itself creates engagement and shows you’re actively listening. This guide shares what experienced facilitators have learned about making flipcharts work online.

When to consider this#

This guidance is particularly relevant when you:

Are new to facilitating Better Conversations online
Want to improve how you use flipcharts in virtual sessions
Are troubleshooting visibility or engagement issues
Are setting up your camera and lighting for the first time

Approaches we’ve seen work#

Write-and-say

Works well when you want to reinforce learning through multiple channels. Suits a methodical style.

What to do:

As you write, briefly say what you’re writing
Summarise key points verbally after capturing them
Repeat back participant contributions as you write them

Why it works:

Reinforces information visually and verbally
Helps participants who can’t see clearly
Shows you’re actively capturing their ideas

Keep in mind:

Can slow the pace - use judiciously
Works best for key points, not everything

Dynamic movement

Works well when energy is dropping or you want to maintain engagement. Suits an energetic style.

What to do:

Stand rather than sit when using the flipchart
Move around the flipchart purposefully
Use pen gestures (circling, underlining, arrows) to direct attention

Why it works:

Projects energy and presence online
Keeps participants visually engaged
Mimics in-person dynamics

Keep in mind:

Stay aware of your camera framing
Avoid pacing that becomes distracting
Deliberate movement works better than constant motion

Finding your style#

Questions to help you choose:

Do you naturally verbalise as you write, or prefer to write then explain?
How comfortable are you moving around while on camera?
Does your camera setup allow for movement?

Things to experiment with:

Try standing for one session and sitting for another - notice the energy difference
Practice writing larger than feels natural - it usually looks better on camera
Ask your producer or co-facilitator for feedback on your flipchart visibility

What we’ve learned#

The key insight: Participants don’t need to read every word on the flipchart. They need to see you writing. The act of writing shows you’re listening and creates visual engagement. Perfect legibility matters less than the dynamic connection created by real-time capture.

Writing technique:

Write significantly larger than in-person sessions
Use thick markers (chisel tip) in high-contrast colours (black, blue)
Focus on keywords and phrases from participants’ own words
Leave plenty of white space - dense text is hard to read online

Technical setup that works:

Camera positioned to show the full flipchart
Natural light from behind the camera, or even artificial lighting
Slight angle on the flipchart to reduce glare
Physical whiteboards often cause glare problems - paper flipcharts work better

Common challenges:

Glare: Adjust lighting angles, close blinds, angle the flipchart slightly
Writing too small: Practice writing for camera view, not in-person view
Drifting out of frame: Mark floor position for easel, check framing periodically

Community experiences#

Experienced facilitators share these insights:

Standing projects more energy than sitting, and allows more natural movement
Using participant words when scribing shows you’re genuinely listening
A slower writing pace helps participants follow along and gives you time to think
Periodically asking “Is the flipchart clear for everyone?” catches problems early
Having the producer monitor chat for visibility feedback helps catch issues you might miss

Producer coordination#

Work with your producer on:

Spotlight: Can be used to draw attention to the flipchart, but use sparingly - overuse can be disorienting
Chat monitoring: Producer watches for visibility complaints and alerts you
Backup options: Have a digital whiteboard ready in case of technical issues
Lighting checks: Producer can help verify your setup before the session starts

Accessibility considerations#

Always verbalise what you’re writing for participants with visual impairments
Keep flipcharts visually uncluttered with ample white space
Offer to provide digital summaries after the session
Use high-contrast colour combinations