Chalk talk

A chalk talk is an illustrated performance in which the speaker draws pictures to emphasize lecture points and create a memorable and entertaining experience for listeners.

They achieved great popularity during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, appearing in vaudeville shows, Chautauqua assemblies, religious rallies, and smaller venues.

"[2] Like magic lantern shows and Lyceum lectures, chalk talks, with their presentation of images changing in real time, could be educational as well as entertaining.

"[9] The seemingly magical stunts, and the chalk talk artist's power to transform simple images before their audiences' eyes, appealed to magicians.

[14] Canadian cartoonist John Wilson Bengough toured internationally, giving chalk talks both for entertainment and in support of causes including woman suffrage and prohibition.

Ad from Cartoons magazine for the Bart Chalk-Talk program by C. L. Bartholomew
Illustration by Frank Beard showing a Sunday School teacher giving a chalk talk.
Signed illustration by John Wilson Bengough of the cartoonist presenting a chalk talk about woman suffrage.