How do you use color, font, and layout to enhance your presentation?

1 Choose a color scheme

The first step to use color in your presentation is to choose a color scheme that matches your topic, purpose, and audience. A color scheme is a set of colors that work well together and create a harmonious and consistent look. You can use a color wheel or an online tool to find a color scheme that suits your needs. For example, you can use complementary colors, which are opposite on the color wheel, to create contrast and emphasize key points. Or you can use analogous colors, which are adjacent on the color wheel, to create a smooth and relaxing mood.

3 Arrange the layout and spacing

The third step to use layout in your presentation is to arrange the layout and spacing of your slides and elements. The layout is the way you organize your content, such as text, images, charts, or videos, on your slides. The spacing is the amount of empty space between and around your elements. You should use a layout that is simple, balanced, and aligned. Avoid using too many or too few elements on each slide or placing them randomly or unevenly. You should also use spacing that is consistent, proportional, and adequate. Avoid using too much or too little spacing that makes your slides look cluttered or empty.

4 Use contrast and hierarchy

The fourth step to use color, font, and layout in your presentation is to use contrast and hierarchy to highlight and organize your information. Contrast is the difference between two or more elements, such as color, font, size, or shape, that makes them stand out from each other. Hierarchy is the order of importance or relevance of your elements, such as headings, subheadings, or bullet points, that guides your audience's attention and understanding. You should use contrast and hierarchy to create focal points, emphasize key messages, and structure your content. For example, you can use a dark background and a light text to create contrast and a large font and a bold style to create hierarchy.

5 Apply consistency and simplicity

The fifth step to use color, font, and layout in your presentation is to apply consistency and simplicity throughout your slides. Consistency is the repetition of the same or similar elements, such as color, font, size, or shape, that creates a unified and coherent look. Simplicity is the reduction of unnecessary or distracting elements, such as color, font, size, or shape, that creates a clear and concise look. You should apply consistency and simplicity to avoid confusion, enhance clarity, and improve aesthetics. For example, you can use the same color scheme, font style, and layout for all your slides and remove any elements that are not relevant or helpful for your presentation.

6 Test and adjust

The sixth and final step to use color, font, and layout in your presentation is to test and adjust your slides before you deliver them. Testing is the process of checking your slides for errors, glitches, or issues, such as spelling, grammar, formatting, or compatibility. Adjusting is the process of fixing or improving your slides based on your testing results or feedback. You should test and adjust your slides to ensure accuracy, quality, and effectiveness. For example, you can preview your slides on different devices or screens, proofread your text, or ask for feedback from a friend or colleague.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?