Page 307 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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296 The Creative Training Idea Book
and is marketing heavily). Once the possible causes are identified and written onto
sticky notes, start grouping similar items. For example, in the list you just read, deliver-
ies, the computer database, and the new salespeople are internal issues controlled by
the organization; the remainder are outside of organizational control. Once you have
lumped common elements, set objectives for each group and have them set about iden-
tifying how to address the issues. Perhaps one group of participants would work on
internal and one group on external issues.

CLOTH BOARD COMMUNICATION

These are items that have been around in schools and military programs for years. They
are sometimes called “flannel boards” because of the material that covers them. You
can display poster board strips with images, words, or sentences on them just as you
would on a flip chart easel.
I occasionally use cloth boards as a break from traditional training aids to add variety.
You can make one by buying a piece of thin plywood; a very thick piece of cardboard
from a box will also work. Cut it about the size of a flip chart easel backing (approx-
imately 30 × 36 inches). Next, go to a store that sells sewing cloth and buy a piece of
black or navy blue felt, flannel, or other rough weave material that is large enough to
cover the entire board with about 4–6 inches extra on each side and end. This will serve
as your display surface. Wrap the material so that it is smooth on the front and so that
the edges overlap to the back. Affix the edges with staples or strong tape (e.g., duct, wide
electrical, strapping, or packing tape works well). Once you have finished place the
board either on a flip chart easel, chalk/marker tray of a writing board, or on a chair
placed on a table to allow easy viewing (see Figure 8-10).
To add text and images to your board, cut strips of poster board or flash card sized
pieces for printing your message in large letters (minimum of 2 inches high) using the
guidelines for flip charts that you read. Use a separate strip for each thought, topic, sen-
tence, key word, or idea.
Use glue to attach a 1-inch piece of barbed (adhesive portion)
Velcro strip to each corner of the cards on the back. You can get
Tape
Velcro at office and sewing supply stores.
You are now ready to present. As you make a point or discuss
a topic, attach the appropriate card to the cloth board just as if you
were using the revelation technique of uncovering one item at a
Staples Cardboard
Backing
time on the flip chart or an overhead transparency. You can also
cut out brightly colored shapes that tie to the program theme or
to represent key concepts or words and place them on the edges,
much like you would use clip art on flip charts or transparencies.
An alternative to a permanent cloth board is to use stick pins
FIGURE 8-10. Clothboard to hang a piece of cloth on the wall, thus saving your flip chart
Construction easel or other solid display surface for other purposes.