This Tip discusses a fourth type of facilitator guide, which is an annotated printout of PowerPoint slides.
We have already discussed an annotated Table of Contents, which can be one quick and relatively easy reference guide for a facilitator.
Another option is an annotated printout of PowerPoint slides.
As a long-time user of overheads, I was used to being able to leaf through my prepared overheads. As many of you know, these were primarily cartoons! I was always aware of which overhead was next, because it would be on the top of the pile.
When I went to PowerPoint, I was suddenly at a loss as to what visuals would be next. So I started to print them off in black and white, 9 slides to a page.
I can then annotate them with:
- times,
- activities,
- handout materials, and
- participant manual page numbers.
I have found it is the fastest way for me to scan upcoming content and visuals. It also ensures that I show the appropriate visual at the right time.
If the program is relatively new to me, I am also able to write down key points and transitional statements where they should occur with the visuals.
This may be more useful for me than it is for other facilitators. This is because of the way I use cartoons to make or summarize key content points in a visual and humorous manner.
These days using Presenter mode lets the trainer see the current slide that is showing to the participants as well as the next slide. However, I still appreciate printing the slides out.
So, that’s it for discussing how to create facilitator guides! After some of the longer examples over the past few weeks, I thought you might appreciate a short Tip!
