Trainer Tip Tuesday
Write to be seen from the back of the room.
One of the most simple rules to writing on a whiteboard/markerboard, easel, or chalkboard is often overlooked.
Ever sit in the back of the room during a presentation, class, or training, only to have the instructor write something on the board or easel next to them and it not be legible from where you were sitting? On top of that, it was in yellow, or another color that was not appropriate for what it was written on? It makes learning a challenge for sure.
Presenting and sharing information visually is a large part of what we do. So, it is important to remember that we are not sharing information just to share it, but that we are sharing information so that others can see it, learn it, or absorb it. We must keep our learners in mind and ensure that information be visible and can be seen by all participants. When writing information, creating in class posters, or diagraming on a visual surface, write it legible and large enough so that people sitting in the back of the room can see it.
In addition to writing clearly, and large enough so that it can be seen, pay attention to the color marker that is used, and choose a color that can be easily seen from a distance. When using a markerboard black and blue are ideal. Red, yellow, and sometimes green are not very visible at a distance. The same goes when writing on an easel pad. Also, try and stay away from the lighter colors. Using a darker colored marker on the lighter colored paper/medium creates enough contrast that it can be easily seen. That is not to say that you should stop using different colored markers for your activities, we work out those Sharpie’s and Expo’s every chance we get.
But, if possible take this to heart and write to be seen from the back of the room.
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