Using a Black Board

This is some collected comments using a black board that were discussed on the district mailing list.

Last year I did a session at TLI where I had people call out items and I wrote them on the blackboard and we had a discussion. The problem is that I need to face the board to write on it but that turns my back to the audience and I'm not supposed to do this.
 
Can someone give me some suggestions?
 
Richard Frantz Jr.

I would say, in this case you need to perform the task where you have no choice. I would assume you are not trying to continue speaking. Turning your back, is not the end of the world. If you kept turning your back to read out loud what was on the board, then you may want to try to avoid that.
 
I believe you are taking "don't turn you back" as an unbreakable rule instead of something to be minimized.
 
Rich Couture

With practice, it is possible to write on a marker board without looking at what you write. That is a skill that takes time to acquire. In the meantime, you might benefit from a portable board or flipchart. If you are right-handed, put it on your right side, facing halfway between you and the audience. You won't have to turn your back completely, you and the audience will both be able to see the board.
 
Walter Beveridge

Richard:
 
Use a blank transparency on an overhead projector and write on it with a fine-point marker such as a sharpie. You will then be facing your audience and be writing at the same time. Also, the text you write on the transparency is projected behind you large enough for all to see. Another advantage is that you can keep the transparency for future use.
 
Michael Aron

Another option is to appoint another person to write the items on the flip-chart while you lead the discussion.
 
Michael Aron

I always ask for a volunteer scribe to write on the blackboard and I try to identify one who's writing or printing can be easily read.
 
Will Ryan

Have someone working with you who writes on the flip chart -- or the blackboard. I've done it and it both saves time while you can continue an interaction, and prevents you from turning your back!
 
Andrea Isaacs

Actually, the proper rule is don't turn your back while talking. Therefore, pause, turn and write, and then turn back before resuming the speech.
 
Joe Zafian

Another idea is to use an overhead projector and a piece of transparent film. Use markers designed for writing on transparencies. You can look down at the projector platen to write without ever turning your back on your audience, while the image is displayed behind you for your audience to see.
 
Norm