Well-designed handouts serve many useful functions in a training session—but only if they are well thought out and used appropriately. Here’s how to create helpful handouts and make the most effective use of them during training:
=>> Make your handouts look professional by using quality paper and a good printer or high-quality copier. If you have the budget, use full-color handouts.
=>> Leave plenty of white space on handouts by keeping information simple, straightforward, and uncluttered. Give participants room to make notes.
=>> Use large type that is easy to read. Don’t mix typefaces.
=>> Use bullets and borders to organize information and make points easy to follow.
=>> Use headings for important issues and titles.
=>> Use graphics whenever possible to illustrate important points.
=>> Use different color papers for handouts on different topics.
=>> Number handouts for easy reference when going over them with participants.
=>> Wait until the end of the session to pass out handouts that you will not discuss in class to prevent distracting participants during the session.
=>> Remember: Handouts supplement a presentation, they are not the presentation itself.
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