How to Prepare Signs for a Political Demonstration

Protest signs are a fundamental part of a political demonstration and are a relatively easy way to make a strong impact. Before you begin making yours, it is important to be aware of the qualities of an effective demonstration sign. Read on to learn how to prepare signs for a political demonstration.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencils with erasers
• Two pieces of poster board (about 2 feet by 3 feet each)
• Permanent markers
• Utility knife
• Cardboard
• Wood stick (for sign handle)
• Staples and staple gun
• Transparent shipping tape

1. Develop two messages for your political demonstration sign, making sure that they are short enough to fit on the poster board in large letters. The messages should be about four to six words long.

2. Sketch your signs messages with pencil onto the pieces of poster board. Each poster board should have one unique message. If you mess up the first time, just flip the poster board over and try again on the other side.

3. Use a utility knife to cut two pieces of cardboard to the size of the poster board.

4. Take one piece of poster board and place it onto the cardboard. Then place both over a stick. Make sure that the stick crosses all of the creases in the cardboard, so that the sign doesn't bend in the wind and attach with a staple gun. Repeat with the second poster board.

5. To complete your political demonstration sign, tape the edges of the poster board and cardboard pieces together.

Tips & Warnings

• If the political demonstration will be in a windy area cut a few horizontal slits in the sign.
• The handle length of your sign should be either 4 to 5 feet in order to hold it in the air, or 8 to 9 feet if you want to anchor the handle into the ground.
• Handles should be rectangular, as rounded sticks are difficult to attach to cardboard. When necessary, smooth the handle with sandpaper to prevent splinters.
• All signs should be sturdy enough, so that they don't fall apart or blow over in the wind, be double sided, easy to hold and have a clear, concise and readable message.
• Messages that threaten bodily harm can easily get you in trouble with the police. You could be arrested, taken to jail, fined or even worse, so it is best to avoid aggressive language.