It’s funny how an item as simple as a large pad of paper, basically headbound so that each page can be turned over at the top to reveal the next sheet, would become such a vital product in every school, office and place of business! The flipchart pad is popularly used combined with an easel during presentations, lectures and seminars. Even though time has moved on and we are using more, increasingly advanced technology, the flip chart still continues to be the most effective presentation media there is.

The flipchart pad is a prime example of how it isn’t always necessary to invest a lot of money in high tech visual aids in order to create an effective presentation; the best visual aids are in fact the simplest. It is essential to remember the purpose your visual aid is intended for; you are looking to enhance your demonstration, not upstage it.

Often people invest in high tech presentation equipment, however find that due to the cost of replacement parts, bulbs, software and specialists accessories needed in order to complete the lecture; the machinery ends up dusty in a cupboard. There are several advantages to using a flip chart pad; you will not need to budget for bulbs, extension leads, specialist films and expensive markers; upgrading software, laser pointers and other such accessories; all that is required when using a flipchart pad is a box of flip chart markers. Using a flipchart enables you to brainstorm ideas and methods with your audience; you will be able to make last minute changes with complete ease!

Flipcharts are commonly used for:

• Presentations
• Training
• Capturing information during group discussions
• With an easel as a display and information board (where other methods prove too expensive or information is changeable)
• Teaching in schools, colleges or universities
• Track targets and goals in sales and manufacturing places of work
• Display menus or specials in cafes and restaurants
• Child play and learning in nurseries and pre schools
• Art classes and artists
• Coaching in schools, offices and sports teams

At Office 365 we have a selection of pads by the makers of 5 Star, Nobo, PAD, Quartet and Whitebox in a large variety of options such as perforated, plain, ruled and seven self adhesive! Ordering online couldn’t be simpler, however if you need any help or advise, please feel free to contact a member of our team on 0870 766 1624.

It is a well known fact that presentations given with the use of visual aids make a better impact on the audience than if you’d given the presentation without any use of visual tools. However even through the progression from flipchart to overhead projectors, from overhead projectors to projectors and computers, from projectors and computers to PowerPoint and Keynote, the single most widely used presentation tool remains the flipchart pad!

Flipchart pads and pens may seem as though they’re from prehistoric times, however you will often find in life that simple tools come out best! Using a flipchart system provides a fast an effective way to put a presentation forward, brainstorming your own ideas and those of others. Everyone can use a pen and paper, and we can all safety say that we are truly ‘engaged’ when involved in a conversation or lecture. So when using a flipchart pad, you know that when you want to get your audience involved, it’s as simple as calling them up, handing them the pen and allowing them the limelight for a moment to illustrate their point, from pen-to-paper, so to speak.

The beauty of it is that its so simple to elaborate on your topic, or argument; your audience can have their say while you make notes and illustrations, expanding and brainstorming, sketching out their ideas the old fashioned way, a way that everyone can relate to. Just think, a flipchart presentation requires so power, no electricity and little advance planning and preparation. There’s no need to dim the lights, no need to explain what the equipment is that you’re using, no need to stock up on bulbs, screen and other expensive supplies; just a pad of paper and a pen.

Here at Office 365 we have a vast selection of flipcharts from Bi-Office, Nobo, Post-it, Quartet and White Box, plus we also have a cheaper variety from 5 Star! Our 5 Star A1 Perforated Flipchart Pad featured to your right is a fantastic example of quality features plus economy value!

• Top quality A1 flipchart pad
• Specially coated paper to prevent ink bleeding through
• 40 perforated sheets for easy tear-off
• Size: A1 (813 x 584mm)
• Packed 5
• Only £12.98 (saving a huge £81.88 off the recommended retail price‼‼)

The RRP on these is a (in our opinion) hefty £94.86! You’ll find similar products from Nobo at the same kind of price which we have reduced to around the £40-60 mark, however our best reduction is the featured 5 Star product yet you make no sacrifice on quality! Coated paper preventing bleed through, handy perforated pages, packed in 5’s, 40 sheets, the same boxes are ticked throughout. Sometimes it isn’t necessary to buy the more expensive brands and this is a prime example of when this is the case! Offer applies for a limited time only and so we highly recommend that you stock up‼ So if you’d like to discuss prices on bulk orders, why not get in touch with us on 0870 766 1624!

It is very common practise these days to expect to present yourself and your knowledge during an interview using a flipchart. I’ve spoken to a couple of people recently who were both faced with the same thing; they mentally prepared themselves to interview for the new job, prepared their questions and prepared their ‘self sales speech’ so to speak, but however didn’t practise for giving a flipchart presentation. In both incidents they failed to make it to the next stage because of this. It can be extremely daunting to stand up and put pen to paper in front of a board of people and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in an area, not to mention having to do so without notice and preparation!

Flipchart pads are widely chosen for presentations as they are a cost effective and simple way of providing a visual explanation for your audience. Enhanced with a spoken explanation, your flipchart presentation could be rather impressive! Practice your presentation at home first concentrating on making your points clearly, boldly and more colourfully as this way you are more likely to engross your audience. Flipchart pads are used to illustrate various points, sums and equations, emphasising words or topics, breaking down each subject until all areas have been thoroughly reviewed. Use the flipchart pad to impress the interviewer with your confident presentation skills and abundance of knowledge. Using bold visuals such as charts and graphs will help you summarise your points and make clearer areas which need to be broken down. Look at your flipchart simply as a visual boost to your speech.

• We recommend that you avoid using colours; yellow, pink, or orange. They are extremely difficult for the audience to see and could simply cause eye strain and annoyance.
• Also, avoid using too many colours, using just one dark colour and one ‘accent’ colour works best.

If you’re planning on preparing your flipchart pad in advance and taking it with you to interview, we have a recommendation for you. Try our Nobo Recycled Flipchart Pad featured. Thsi pad boast the following qualities:

• 40 sheets
• Post consumer recycled paper
• Perforated for easy tear-off
• Size: A1 813 x 584mm
• 100gsm – less chance of bleed through
• Packed 5
• Just £63.40 for 5 pads!

Made by our Nobo brand, this pad pleases all with its environmental credentials. However their best achievement is being awarded with the UK’s BOSS (British Office Supplies and Services) Federation Environmental Award 11 years running! The BOSS Federation is the trade association which serves the UK Office Supply and services industry by providing a range of initiatives, cost saving benefits and services, to enhance the business performance of its members. This comprehensive award scheme covers a wide range of environmental issues, such as reducing energy consumption and improving our employees’ working conditions.

When giving a presentation in front of an audience, it is pivotal that you get it right! If you’re audience pick up on your nerves, a lack of confidence in what you are saying or obvious errors; then you’re wasting your time. Ok, so it’s not like they’ll throw rotten vegetables at you, boo or hiss, however what will happen is they won’t buy your product, nor will they learn from what it is you’re trying to lecture; they won’t sign up for your cause and they certainly will not recommend you, your company or your product. Nowadays, people expect more than a lengthy speech which will ultimately send them to sleep, even if you do add a little humor. They expect imagery, demonstrations, technology and general interactive content. So before you begin, make sure you have the supplies you need to get your audience involved!

• Find a retailer of good value presentation supplies
• Be Organised – Make sure your content flows well and has a clear focus set out from the start of your presentation. Have some patience; set out your objective first and make sure that you presentation is planned in such a way that the message is clearly put across to your audience, and they understand the goal. Remember, if you’re unsure of your objective, then your audience will stand no chance of understanding what you’d like to achieve.
• Use Various Interaction Methods – It may also help you to know that according to a study done by the Navy, the average adult’s attention span is 18 minutes, so make sure that you vary your speech, it’s format and your interaction methods. Use a flipchart pad for your Q & A section incorporating the audience into your presentation. To illustrate key points, use projector transparencies, making sure not to shadow your projection! Use display systems from table to table providing basic information of your cause, product or business.
• Q & A Section – No matter how objective your questioner is, remain cool and respectful. Rehearse obvious questions before the presentation so that you can be prepared and give clear, concise and intelligent answers. It often goes down well to redirect the question, getting your audience involved and communicating with each other. If you believe the question that has been asked is not clear to others, rephrase it first and then answer.

There are a number of ways that you can make sure that you give an effective presentation, however other than the skill to demonstrate, the most important element are the supplies in which you use to put your message across. At Office 365 you will find a number of presentation supplies which are priceless in terms of their positive effects on your demonstration. Take a look at our Copier film from top quality brands, our Flipchart Pads which are available in various sizes, our inkjet film, laser film and write on film to work in conjunction with your projectors and various other presentation supplies. If you’re looking for the apparatus to perform your presentation, take a look at our presentation equipment section.

It’s January (just about) and a fresh new year tends to encourage businesses to make that extra effort in terms of bringing in new customers and clientele, new contracts and generating extra revenue. A fantastic way of doing this and a very popular one is to promote your company face to face. Many companies are finding that if they take the initiative to call as many potential customers as possible themselves, rather than waiting for the customers to come to them, they are able to build a greater catalogue of business. If after an afternoon of calling businesses and customers to promote your services you find yourself with a handful of appointments, all you have to do is present well in the meeting, and their custom is yours! The most popular and effective way of doing this is with a flipchart. Even after many years of innovative technology, the most popular method of presentation is still the flipchart!

A flipchart has many advantages over high tech visual aids and equipment for example you will not require new light bulbs, extension leads and they do not require any special film or printers. When organising your effective flipchart meeting, aside from your portable flipchart easels, all you’ll need is a box of flipchart markers, which as we all know, do not cost the earth and will allow you to be as creative as is required. As there is no technology involved, you will not have to worry about your presentation being ruined by technical error, faults or breakages, just the odd spelling error!

The Nobo Barracuda Portable Flipchart Easel is perfect for taking from meeting to meeting. This half-size flipchart easel is ideal for the travelling presenter or where space is limited. It is a useful aid in small group presentations or meetings and also features a magnetic drywipe board surface which doubles as a noticeboard. Includes a black carry bag for easy mobility, a B1 flip pad and a Nobo marker to enable immediate use after purchase. Also included in the pack is a stylish Barracuda metal pad clamp and a full-length pen tray with rubber feet to protect your desk or surface. With a rear support leg to ensure stable placement and easy set-up on any table, this is the perfect flipchart pack for any travelling presenter! Whiteboard surface dimensions WxH: 675 x 550mm. With 30% off and free delivery this pack is now just £76.91, while stocks last!

Flipchart pads have withstood the test of time – through decades of new and innovative modern technology, the age old flipchart remains in constant use. But why is this? It seems that we’ve all come to realise that it is not always necessary to invest ridiculous amounts of money to perform well in a presentation – high tech flashy gadgets are not always the best way to get a message across. It helps to remember that the purpose of using a visual aid is to enhance your presentation, not upstage it. A flipchart has many advantages over high tech visual aids and equipment for example; you will not need to concern yourself with burnt out light bulbs or forgetting extension leads plus, they do not require that you use any special films or printers. In fact all you really need when using a flipchart is a box of flipchart markers, which let’s face it, do not cost the earth and will allow you to be as creative as you need. Flipcharts allow no room for technical error, faults or breakages – just turn the page and go – any errors made along the way can be corrected simply and easily.

Flipcharts are the perfect tool for presentations providing a visual explanation for your audience, enhanced by a spoken explanation from yourself. The clearer, bolder and more colourful your presentation is, the more engrossed your audience will be encouraging group participation. Flipchart pads can be used to illustrate all kinds of things, emphasising words or topics, breaking down each subject until all areas have been thoroughly reviewed. You can use a flip chart for;

• For all kinds of presentations or training
• For capturing information during group discussions
• For use on an easel as a display and information board where other methods prove too expensive or information is likely to change frequently
• For use during teaching, in schools, colleges or universities
• For the tracking of targets and goals in sales and manufacturing plants
• Maybe even to display menu’s or special in cafes and restaurants
• For child play and learning in nurseries and pre schools
• For art classes and artists
• For use as a coaching tool in schools, offices and sports teams

Including bolder visuals such as charts and graphs to help summarise and make clearer areas which need to be broken down. Flip charts are simply a visual boost to your speech aiding in the absorption of information. They provide your audience with something to look at; a speech alone can often become tiresome and tedious and so they help to keep your audience’s attention.

Before beginning your presentation, make sure you have prepared your flipchart. This way you can focus your attention on the content of your speech, flipping over the pages as you approach each subject. Each page should be illustrated clearly and carefully making sure that it flows with the order of your presentation speech. If you are using grids and charts, it is best to design your charts on paper first before producing them on the actual flipchart pad. Never use all block capitals (UPPER CASE). Using upper and lower case letters will make it easier to read. Another helpful hint is to use the 7 x 7 rule which means that you have no more than 7 words on each line and no more than 7 lines to a sheet.

Did you know that you should avoid using colours; yellow, pink, or orange. They are extremely difficult for the audience to see and you don’t want to make your audience have to strain their eyes to see your points. Also, avoid using too many colours, using just one dark colour and one ‘accent’ colour works best. A simple helpful hint, yet one often forgotten is to make sure the flipchart you purchase will fit the flipchart stand you will be using. Some have different spaced holes at the top and you don’t want to get caught – could be very embarrassing!