Whiteboards? Oh, they’re like super cool tools for the modern workplace, right? Those smooth surfaces make it easy-peasy to jot down ideas or work through problems. And hey, no worries about pesky dust particles – your doodles stay sharp and clear, just like when you first put them down!

Forever and a day, whiteboards have totally revolutionised how classrooms and meeting rooms share ideas. From being budget-friendly to having fancy upgrades, these interactive gadgets totally amp up teamwork during presentations. A trainer or presenter that can illustrate on a whiteboard can become more interactive than one that using Powerpoint. Learn more below how useful whiteboards can be.

Traditional and Electronic Whiteboards: So Handy!

Good old whiteboards give you tons more space than those pre-made flip chart papers. They’re awesome for jotting down tidbits that come up in conversations. Depending on size, these boards can cost anywhere from $100 to $1, 000. You’ll need special markers – wet-erase or dry-erase ones – plus an eraser made for whiteboard surfaces, and a cleaner that’s nice to them. They can be slapped on walls or hung on movable frames, making them the top choice for places that want to record stuff efficiently without lugging things around!

Electronic Whiteboards? Oh, they’re like blending top-notch tech with classic whiteboard vibes. You can easily jazz up your presentations with a sprinkle of multi-sensory magic. Whether it’s a pen, finger, or whatever tickles your fancy, you can make bold, flashy stuff appear on the board’s screen. Perfect for training, seminars, and all that jazz!

• All the computers hooked up to the system can get into loads of cool software – like web browsers and special programs. Every click opens up new doors!
• Snapping pics of what’s scribbled on the whiteboard using software.
• Turning fancy cursive writing into regular text.
• Running the computer show.

Digital whiteboards make global teamwork a breeze, and some models even let you store, print, and share stuff online. True, these high-tech marvels can be a bit pricey – many go over $1000 – but their power to give communication a makeover is pure gold for modern businesses.

Getting Colourful

Whiteboards bring way more oomph than flip charts, making important stuff stand out. Even though the tools are different, the ways to use them are kind of the same.

Blue’s the real star on the color wheel – vibrant and snazzy. Black takes the silver medal in terms of catching your eye, while green plays the supporting role, adding a nice touch.

For the best look, ditch shades like purple, brown, pink, or yellow when you’re printing stuff.

Colours can totally jazz up designs, and having a cool two- or three-tone combo is key. If you want to hit it, use orange to highlight with red. But hey, steer clear of yellow in the mix. And for primo results, try to avoid blending oranges and blues whenever possible!

Backup Plan Magic

Whiteboards have been the go-to for ages in modern communication, but sometimes we forget they’re not flawless. In the office, markers for regular whiteboards can dry up quick, leading to extra costs for new supplies.

To make sure your presentation rocks, play it safe from sudden data vanishing acts during those marathon sessions. Copy everything to a USB drive at the end of the day so you’re good to go for the next big show.

If your digital whiteboard hits a snag, no sweat. Hook up your laptop to the projector for a smooth switch to a pre-made PowerPoint. Having extra handouts is a smart move too. Participants can scribble down the important bits without waiting for the slides. Or hey, you can always whip out a flip chart if things get tricky!

Here are some handy tips, for making an impression when using a whiteboard;

• Organise Your Content; Before you begin take some time to plan out the structure of your presentation. Use headings, bullet points and numbering to create an organised layout.
• Use Visual Aids; Use diagrams, charts and graphs to convey complex information. Visual aids help the audience understand and remember the content effectively.
• Maintain Consistency; Keep a style throughout your presentation in terms of size, color usage and formatting. This consistency creates an professional look.
• Allow White Space; Avoid overcrowding the whiteboard by leaving space around your content. This prevents overwhelming the audience. Makes it easier for them to follow along.
• Engage Step by Step; If you’re explaining a process or procedure reveal information in a step by step manner. This keeps the audience engaged. Prevents them from jumping too quickly.
• Prefer Bullet Points over Sentences; of using sentences opt, for concise bullet points that are easier to digest while keeping the flow of your presentation smooth.
• Practice Neatness; Take care in writing legibly on the whiteboard so that everyone can easily read what you’ve written. Messy handwriting can be. Take away, from the message you want to convey.
• Interact with the whiteboard; Use gestures and movements to emphasise your points. This will help keep the audience engaged and attentive.
• Keep it simple; Avoid using jargon or complicated language. Present your information in a way that can be easily understood by a range of people.
• Tell a story; Incorporate storytelling elements into your presentation. People tend to remember stories than facts alone.
• Maintain eye contact; Make sure to maintain eye contact with your audience while speaking when facing the whiteboard. This connection helps increase engagement.
• Use analogies; Simplify concepts by relating them to situations or objects. Analogies make your content more relatable and easier to grasp.
• Practice timing; Practice how long it takes you to explain each point. This will help you effectively manage your time during the presentation.
• Prepare materials; Have information or examples ready in case there are questions or if the discussion delves deeper into certain topics.
• Encourage questions; Invite questions and facilitate discussions. This demonstrates your expertise and fosters a connection with the audience.
• Summarise; Conclude your presentation by summarising the points reinforcing takeaways for the audience.
• Proofread; Before starting check for any spelling errors or typos on the whiteboard.
• Exude confidence; present, with confidence as it adds credibility and captivates your audience.

Your attitude and excitement can leave an impact. Keep in mind that practice leads to perfection. The more you rehearse these suggestions the at ease and effective you’ll become in using a whiteboard to captivate your audience. 

Our team can help with a range of presentation skills training sessions, including persuasion and influence, impactful presentations, designing presentations, Train the Trainer, and many more courses that can be tailored to suit your next team training.