Page 298 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 08 11/20/02 12:50 PM Page 287
Making Your Visual Message Sizzle 287
edge of colored markers and make it look as if you
are drawing freehand. Voila! Instant artist and your
SEASON’S
GREETINGS learners will likely be impressed with your talent.
Keep in mind that if you are using copy-
righted images, you should obtain written per-
mission to use them. Also, give the originator
credit for the images. This is especially important
if you are conducting seminars open to the public
or for which you are charging a fee.
An alternative to using copyrighted material
is to find a friend, co-worker, or participant with
artistic ability and ask him or her to draw a few
images for you. If you pay for the images as a
GREETINGS
SEASON’S
“work for hire” you can use them in any way you
please in the future. This strategy has worked well
for me over the years. I have gathered a collection
of caricatures of myself by stopping by caricature
artist stands I have found in malls and festivals.
I pay them to draw images of me in different
poses, for example, pointing to a flip chart, or
standing next to an overhead projector or behind
a lectern. I now have art that I can use on trans-
FIGURE 8-7. Creative Shortcut to Drawing parencies, in handouts, or on flip charts.

Text Appearance

It is important that learners be able to read what you write. To facilitate reading, take
your time so that your handwriting is straight and legible. You can purchase flip chart
pads with line grids on them to help facilitate this or you can use a yardstick or other
straight edge to guide your writing.
Also, as you read in the section on printed materials, use block lettering, upper- and
lowercase for text and all capital letters for titles or headers (see Figure 8-8). These prac-
tices can enhance legibility.

Creative Accessories

There are many accessories on the market today that can enhance the appearance and
add pizzazz to your flip charts. Here are some of my favorites available from various
sources.