contrast meaning in powerpoint presentation

Using Contrasts in PowerPoint: 3 Different Types of Contrasts with Tips and Tricks!

The goal of your PowerPoint presentation is always to skillfully convey your content to the audience. Surely, you are aware that the design of your slides plays an essential role in this. Visual aspects should always be well thought out.

Consider using contrasts in PowerPoint effectively. With the right implementation, you can skillfully emphasize important elements and make a strong impact. We will show you the different types of contrasts and how to use them effectively.

What are Contrasts?

In visual design, contrasts refer to distinct differences between various elements . In PowerPoint presentations, different types of contrasts can occur, such as differences in colors, sizes, fonts, shapes, or movements.

Why are contrasts in PowerPoint that important?

When you strategically incorporate contrasts into your presentations, they significantly contribute to improving the visual impact and comprehensibility of your content . Contrasts create distinct differences between elements such as colors, sizes, shapes, and fonts , directing the audience’s eyes to important information.

With contrasts, you can also establish clear hierarchies and structure your content effectively. Additionally, they enhance the readability of texts and give your presentation an aesthetic and professional touch .

Examples: A well-chosen contrast between text and background enhances readability, while a size contrast helps highlight important elements and establish visual hierarchies. Color contrasts can evoke emotional responses and support the message of the presentation.

Three types of contrasts in PowerPoint

Fundamentally, three main types of contrasts can be distinguished:

• Color Contrast: Refers to differences between colors and can direct attention to important information or distinguish various content areas from each other.
• Size Contrast: Involves differences in the size of elements and allows you to highlight important elements or establish visual hierarchies.
• Font Contrast: Involves combining different fonts and font sizes to achieve better readability and a clear visual structure.
• Other Types of Contrast: These include shape contrast, texture contrast, and motion contrast, each producing different visual effects.

How can you skillfully implement these contrasts in PowerPoint? We’ll show you now.

The Color Contrast

When it comes to color contrast, there are several aspects to consider. For a good color contrast, ensure that you choose colors that harmonize well together and provide clear differentiation between various elements.

Tip: Use colors from the color wheel to create contrasts, such as combining complementary colors.

When editing your backgrounds, ensure an appropriate contrast between background and text colors . Light text on a dark background or vice versa allows for clear separation and improved readability. It is advisable to choose contrasting colors without becoming too bright or straining to the eyes.

Consider these color combinations for selection:

• Warm-Cold Contrast – Combination of warm and cold colors
• Monochromatic-Polychromatic Contrast – Combination of polychromatic and monochromatic images
• Light-Dark Contrast – Combination of intense and lightened color tones
• Quantity Contrast – Combination of large and small color elements

Caution: Consider color blindness as well when making choices to ensure a more accessible presentation.

Avoid using too many different colors as it can quickly distract from the essential content. Decide in advance which colors you will use and consistently apply them in a targeted manner.

The Size Contrast

By using different sizes, you can highlight important information, headings, or key images in your presentation, creating a clear visual hierarchy that makes the main message of the presentation more accessible. Through the use of various sizes, you can skillfully develop hierarchies and emphasize important aspects.

Example: Headings, main points, etc., can be highlighted as significant using larger elements. Smaller elements can support these main points and complement details.

Caution: It is essential not to use too many elements of different sizes to avoid cluttered visuals and instead focus on highlighting the essentials.

Tip: Use size contrasts to create a connection between text and images . For instance, if a statement or heading needs visual emphasis, it can be presented in combination with an image or graphic that is larger than the rest of the content. This establishes a strong visual connection, anchoring the message more effectively in the audience’s memory.

The Font Contrast

With font contrast, you influence the readability and visual impact of your PowerPoint presentation. Choose only appropriate font styles that match the message and theme of your presentation (tips on this are available in the article “Fonts in PowerPoint”).

When using different font styles (e.g., for headings, body text, and bullet points), you create clear hierarchies . Ensure that your font sizes provide adequate readability .

It is also crucial to have an effective font-color contrast to ensure that the text stands out clearly from the background. If the background is dark, the text should be displayed in a light color, and vice versa. This improves the readability of text content, allowing the audience to grasp the information more easily (see Color Contrast).

To create a clear visual distinction between headings and body text, you can employ font contrast. Headings should be larger and more prominent than the body text to establish a clear visual difference. This way, the main themes of the presentation can be recognized more quickly.

Contrasts in Slide Elements

Images and contrast.

Images speak louder than words, and the same applies to presentations. Therefore, never forego enhancing your statements with images. When using images, pay attention to contrasts as well. Additionally, you can create contrasts through the placement of images . By linking them sensibly with the content of the slide, you ensure an engaging and contrast-rich presentation that impresses the audience and effectively conveys the message.

The selected images should be clear and easily recognizable to enable clear communication and enhance the contrast with other presentation elements. In some cases, you may need to edit the images to adjust the visual contrast. For example, you can adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness.

Caution: When editing, make sure the images still look realistic and appealing without appearing overly exaggerated.

Using Contrasts in PowerPoint for Data Visualization

Diagrams and charts are essential when seeking an effective way to present complex data vividly. When using diagrams and charts in a presentation, it is often necessary to highlight specific data points or results . This can be achieved through different colors, markers, or labels . Create contrasts in this regard:

Use colors deliberately to clearly convey the information. Choose contrasting colors to make the distinction between data categories visually apparent.

Contrasts in PowerPoint Animations

Using animations or other interactive elements keeps the audience engaged. Even in animations, you can consciously pay attention to contrasts. Skillfully using contrasts in animations increases visual dynamics and livens up the presentation.

You can find many ideas for animations and interactive elements in our blogs “ Animations in PowerPoint ” and “ Interactive Presentations “.

For instance, utilize effective object fade-ins and fade-outs . These create a clear visual contrast between the state before and after the animation. A gentle fade-in can draw the audience’s attention to the element, while an abrupt fade-out signals a significant change. There are numerous animation options available for contrasts in PowerPoint:

Another approach is using animated size contrasts. Here, you skillfully direct the focus to specific elements in the presentation. Animated size contrasts create visual focal points and thus support the communication of your message.

For example, a crucial text section or a key image can be enlarged during the fade-in to emphasize its importance.

Also, use colors as contrasts in animations. By using contrasting colors, you create a vibrant and dynamic representation (e.g., color changes, gradients, striking colors), adding an appealing visual aesthetic to the PowerPoint presentation.

What to Consider When Using Contrasts

• Consistency in the Use of Contrasts

When using contrasts, ensure that they are applied consistently throughout the entire presentation. This includes using similar color palettes, font sizes, and styles, as well as size contrasts for similar elements.

Maintaining consistent contrast usage creates a harmonious and professional overall look and avoids visual clutter or confusion for the audience.

• Moderation in Using Contrasts

Although contrasts have a strong visual impact, it’s essential to use them with moderation and thoughtfulness . Too many contrasts can overwhelm the presentation and distract from the actual content.

Focus on using contrasts for relevant elements that need to be highlighted. Less is often more , and a targeted use of contrasts leads to a clearer and more impactful presentation of information.

Extra Tip: Black and White Contrasts in PowerPoint

One of the most well-known contrasts is the black and white contrast . When creating a presentation, the question often arises whether to use a white background with black text or a black background with white text.

The convention is to read dark text on a light background . A black background is often associated with a heavy mood , but that doesn’t have to be the case.

A black background is equally suitable as a background as a white one. After all, black clearly highlights other colors and makes contrasts highly visible . With a dark background, you can, for example, emphasize your company logos. Additionally, black adds a touch of elegance and variety to your presentations, which often feature the standard white background.

If you choose a dark background, keep in mind that white or light text may be more challenging to read . Also, using bold formatting with white or light text can sometimes be risky, as the letters may blend together and become difficult to read.

An advantage of using a white or light background is that you have the opportunity to use a wider range of colors . Particularly saturated, bright colors appear more contrasting on a white slide background and may get lost on dark backgrounds.

In contrast, unsaturated and pastel colors are better visible on a black background . Therefore, consider the color palette you want to use for your presentation and adjust it accordingly based on your background.

The same applies to the integration of graphics, icons , etc. A white or light background often works better in such cases. Often, these elements have a white frame on a dark background, which can be challenging to remove without proficient editing skills.

Black or white? Our recommendation: Both options work, but the choice depends on your presentation design and your industry. White tends to represent clarity, structure, and purity, making slides with a white background a good choice for academic and scientific presentations. Black, on the other hand, exudes elegance and modernity, making it a more fitting trend for business, marketing, and corporate presentations.

Conclusion: Skillfully Using Contrasts in PowerPoint

Contrasts are versatile and can be used effectively in presentations. Use the contrasts that suit your content and skillfully emphasize your messages. Give it a try today.

If you have any questions about contrasts in PowerPoint, feel free to contact us at [email protected] . We’re here to help!

Are you looking for visually supportive and professionally designed slide templates ? Take a look at our shop. We have numerous slides available for download on various (business) topics. Check it out today! ► Shop

You may also be interested in these articles:

• PowerPoint Layout: Proper Layout Design for Your Slides
• Preparing PowerPoint Presentations – 11 Tips
• Fonts in PowerPoint

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Oct 08 2012

• PowerPoint Design Principle #3: Contrast

Have you ever sat through a PowerPoint presentation and the presenter had to apologize to the audience for not being able to read text on the slide? That’s what I experienced on my business trip. Often it is due to the font size being too small, but just as frequently it can be caused by sloppy color contrast . While the most common application of contrast in PowerPoint is color, contrast can be created by having different object shapes, object sizes, font types, font sizes, alignment, etc. The principle of contrast is dependent upon the surrounding elements being noticeably different from the focal point . Contrast fails when the difference is too subtle or weak.

There are lots of different ways of showing contrast besides color.

The Projector Curve Ball

I’d like to share three common scenarios where poor color contrast can ruin PowerPoint slides. I’ll start by sharing the two contrast-related mistakes I witnessed on my recent business trip along with a third one I’ve seen on several occasions.

Gradient steps or blends

When you have a process or flow diagram, it’s common to color the objects with different gradients – going from light to dark. Problems occur on the side with the lighter gradients if you’re using a light text color consistently across all of the objects . The light font will have good contrast against the darker gradients, but against the light gradient it can become ineligible, especially when you throw the projector brightness wildcard into the mix.

As you can see below, the light gradient with light text was too difficult to read even with the text shading. Unfortunately, the presenter had to pause and explain to the audience what the label was on the first object when he realized it couldn’t be read. If you’re using gradients, you either want to ensure you start darker on the light side or have darker text on the lighter objects (switching to lighter text on the darker objects).

This is the picture I took with my iPhone when I spotted this contrast issue. On the far left, the text was impossible to read because the white text didn’t contrast with the light gray object.

On a laptop screen, the text on the left is still legible, but once it is projected then the white text doesn’t stand out enough to be read against the light gray object. Either the background color on the object needs to be darker or the text needs to be darker — more contrast is required!

When using a PowerPoint template with a white background, you should avoid using certain colors for text. I’ve found that green or light green are not handled very well by a lot of projectors . There’s probably some technical reason for this, but I’ve learned over the years that this particular color is problematic. In the presentation below, the title of the slides and key metrics were in a lime green color. While it looked okay on a laptop screen, it became almost invisible when projected onto a screen. As a result, the presenter had to explain the purpose of each slide to the audience and verbally highlight key metrics that couldn’t be seen.

Be careful about the text colors you choose, especially for key text such as slide titles or data points. I would recommend never using green text due to how unreliable it can be with some projectors. If you’re using a template with a white background, use only dark colors for text.

Here’s another snapshot I took with my iPhone. This meeting was actually before the previous one, and the disruption to the presentation was more dramatic.

The lime green was visible on a laptop screen, but disappeared when projected. Not good if it’s used for the slide title or a key metric.

Colors on a dark background

My last real-world example comes from the Sunday school teacher at my church who uses PowerPoint presentations for her gospel lessons. She has a tendency to use red or blue text on a black background, which causes the text to be washed out and almost indistinguishable from the dark background . If you’re using a template with a dark background, don’t use standard colors such as blue, green, or red because most projectors struggle to project those colors with the same vibrancy as what you see in your laptop screen. If you’re using a dark background, always try to use light colors that will stand out when projected. Don’t be tricked by your laptop or desktop screen that the colors will display the same way when they’re projected.

Okay, no iPhone snapshot for this one so I’ve tried to reproduce what happened. While the colored text looks vibrant on your laptop (left), it can appear washed out when projected (right).

Don’t make your presentations hard to read; use appropriate levels of contrast for your text. There’s nothing wrong with black text on a light background or white text on a dark background. I know it might be a little boring but better boring than baffling (it seemed to work for Steve Jobs ). If you’d like to get creative with your text try a different font or more expressive language—but don’t use font colors that won’t provide enough contrast.

You can also run into color contrast problems with other parts of your presentation besides text. For example, I was saddled with a corporate template (white background) which used a light faded orange color for its bullets. What might have looked stylish on the designer’s laptop, failed in execution. Simply because a brand designer failed to consider how the light-colored bullets would look on most projectors, hundreds of employees were communicating less effectively with their bullets (except for a rogue PowerPoint ninja who edited his version of the corporate template to include bold orange bullets). Be kind to your audiences and remember the PowerPoint design principle of contrast!

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• PowerPoint Design Principle #2: Control
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The importance of contrast in PowerPoint presentation

People who are making a PowerPoint presentation should know the basic principles of design. In the following article we are going to overlook the main principle of the contrast. This information can be very helpful and will save you from ruining the overall effectiveness of your PowerPoint slides. As most resources about PowerPoint consider contrast issues unnecessary to be mentioned, we are going to review this topic and pay attention to some vital points.

During our University years and at work we see different kinds of PowerPoint presentations. Have you ever heard presenters apologizing for not being able to see properly the text on PowerPoint slides? Many people from the audience can’t see it as well. So why does this happen to us? In most cases the reason is in the size of the font which is too small. However the same problem can happen due to the sloppy color of the contrast. The most common contrast’s application in PowerPoint is the color. Alternatively the contrast can be made with the help of different shapes, sizes of your objects, types and sizes of your fonts, alignment and so on. You should remember that the contrast principle depend on all the surrounding elements. They should be different from your focal point. Your contrast will easily fail if your difference between the objects is either too weak or subtle.

Let’s focus on the contrast besides colors. The easiest and the most effective way of showing the contrast in your PowerPoint presentation is by using different colors. You should involve and play with the difference in darkness and lightness between the selected colors. The colors of your presentation background and foreground should be different as well. If you need the strongest contrast you should use black and white colors. Always try to remain mindful in applying these basic principles in the design of your future PowerPoint presentation. You should be very careful using hues on your ppt slides. And keep in mind that some people from your audience may have color blindness issues. A person with a normal sight can see a perfect contrast between green and red. However someone from your audience can perceive the difference of these colors. Study carefully the basic attributes of colors, such as saturation, hue and lightness. This information may be very handy.

As a designer of PowerPoint presentation you should always have an extra curve ball that can be thrown at them. Nowadays there are lots of modern and highly effective LCD displays or projectors. Such devices can lighten or alter the colors of your presentation slides while projecting them. You may spent lots of time selecting the best and the most matching combinations. But if your projector is old, everything can be spoilt. Too light meeting room is also not the best place for a successful presentation. There is one strict rule of thumb which you should follow – all the colors of your PowerPoint slides will be seen around 30% lighter comparing to what you see on your PC.

Here is the list of common scenarios of ruining your PowerPoint slides:

Gradient blends and steps

If you use gradients, it is recommended to start with the darker on the lighter side. Your dark text on the slides should be on lighter objects.

Green-colored text

If the color of your background is white, it is necessary to avoid some text colors. As practice shoes green is not the best choice as it may be handled by projectors quite badly. There must be some technical reasons but for sure green is very problematic on white background of your PowerPoint template. Therefore you should always be very careful choosing the text colors for your titles, the main data points and the rest of the key text. Select much darker colors for text with a white-colored background.

Colors on dark ppt background

Avoid using blue or red text color on a black ppt background. Your text may be washed out or indistinguishable to your audience. Standard colors such as blue, red, green should be avoided. Always use light colors for dark backgrounds. They will surely stand out while projecting your presentation.

The final tip is to be always kind and attentive to your audience!

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• Why Color Contrast Matters in Your PowerPoint Presentations

by Stephanie Ivec | PowerPoint Graphics , PowerPoint Tips | 0 comments

Have you ever been sitting in the back of a conference room and unable to read a presentation because the text color was too light or the text was blending into the background? Frustrating, right?

An important part of creating a good presentation is ensuring that your content has enough contrast.

What is contrast?

As a principle of art, contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite elements and effects. For example, light and dark colors, smooth and rough textures, large and small shapes. Contrast can be used to create variety, visual interest, and drama in an artwork.

Aside from adding visual interest, contrast is also essential for content visibility and legibility. If there isn’t enough contrast between your text and the background or enough color contrast between lines on a graph, your audience is going to have trouble reading and understanding your content.

Did you know there are actual rules about color contrast? 

There’s a set of guidelines called the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) that web developers follow to ensure their content can be accessed and read by as many people as possible, including those with visual, auditory, or physical impairments. We’ll be focusing on color contrast today, but WCAG covers many more topics. 

If you work for the government or government contractors, you might be more familiar with Section 508 rules. 

According to Section 508 rules, designers and developers must ensure all text elements have sufficient color contrast between the text in the foreground and background color behind it.

How do you know if you have sufficient color contrast?

There’s a fairly technical explanation involving “luminance” or perceived brightness of colors, but all you really need to know is the contrast ratio that has been set down in the standards. 

Three success criteria in WCAG 2 address color contrast ratios:

• The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. This is the bare minimum and some viewers may still experience difficulties distinguishing color differences.
• Requires 7:1 contrast for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
• The visual presentation of user interface components and graphical objects must have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent color(s). This consideration was added in 2018.

One additional success criterion, Use of Color, dictates that color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

Section 508 outlines the same contrast ratio guidelines. 

Here’s a good example of some excellent color contrast, both in the text versus background color and in the row shading of the table graphic. This template is part of the Montserrat design series in our PowerPoint graphics library.

But I’m creating PowerPoint presentations, not websites. Why do I care about color contrast?

You never know who in your audience might have a visual impairment. In addition, your audience doesn’t have the luxury of holding the screen two inches from their face. Your content needs to stand out to everyone, whether they’re sitting at the front of the room or way in the back.

There’s one last consideration that we haven’t talked about yet.

Projectors. 

If you are giving a presentation using a projector, it’s a good general rule to assume the colors are going to be projected 20-30% lighter than what you’re looking at on your computer screen. 

Not sure if your color scheme has enough color contrast?

Lucky for you, there are tons of color contrast checkers available online. Put in your colors and the magic of computers spits out your contrast ratio.

Here’s a color contrast checker from WebAIM that I like.

When in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with black and white. I know that may sound boring, but if you look at some of our PowerPoint templates , you’ll see that you can create many exciting designs using a lot of black and white. 

Plus, we’ve already done all the color contrast head-scratching for you in our PowerPoint templates! 

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Mastering PowerPoint presentation design principles.

In the realm of professional and educational presentations, PowerPoint stands out as a tool of immense popularity and versatility. However, the effectiveness of a PowerPoint presentation hinges not just on the content , but significantly on the design principles applied. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art and science of leveraging design principles to transform your PowerPoint slides from mundane to magnificent.

Understanding and applying these principles is not just about making slides aesthetically pleasing; it’s about enhancing the clarity, impact, and persuasiveness of your message. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or new to PowerPoint, this guide offers invaluable insights into how design can be your ally in crafting presentations that captivate and communicate effectively.

As we explore the fundamentals of design principles, the effective utilisation of colour and typography, strategic incorporation of visuals and graphics, thoughtful slide layout and spatial arrangement, and purposeful animation, you will gain a toolkit of techniques to elevate your PowerPoint presentations. Each section is designed to build your understanding and skills, enabling you to apply these principles with confidence and creativity.

Embark on this journey with us to master the presentation design principles that will bring your PowerPoint presentations to life, making them not only more engaging but also more memorable and impactful.

Understanding the fundamentals of PowerPoint presentation design principles

When it comes to crafting effective PowerPoint presentations, the role of design principles cannot be overstated. These principles are the cornerstone of creating not only visually appealing slides but also ones that enhance the communication and retention of your message. In this section, we explore the three pivotal presentation design principles: balance, contrast, and alignment, and their application in PowerPoint presentations.

Balance: This principle refers to the distribution of visual elements in a slide. A balanced layout provides stability and structure, making the content easily digestible. In PowerPoint, balance can be achieved through symmetrical or asymmetrical layouts. A symmetrical layout offers a sense of harmony and formality, ideal for corporate presentations. On the other hand, an asymmetrical layout, which uses an uneven distribution of elements, can create a more dynamic and interesting visual appeal, perfect for creative or educational presentations.

Contrast: Contrast is the art of making elements stand out by using opposing characteristics, such as light and dark colours, large and small text, or different textures. In PowerPoint, effective contrast can be employed to draw attention to key points and guide the viewer’s eye through the slide. For example, using a bold colour for important text against a muted background can ensure that your audience focuses on the main message.

Alignment: This principle is about arranging elements in a slide in a way that creates a visual connection between them. Proper alignment in PowerPoint slides not only makes them more professional and polished but also aids in creating a logical flow of information. Aligning text and images along specific axes can help create a clean, organised look, making it easier for your audience to follow along.

Incorporating these fundamental presentation design principles in your PowerPoint presentations can significantly enhance their effectiveness. A well-designed slide not only captures attention but also helps convey your message in a clear, compelling manner. As you progress through your presentation creation process, keep these principles in mind to ensure that your content is not just seen but also remembered.

Effective utilisation of colour and typography

The strategic use of colour and typography is vital in creating engaging and effective PowerPoint presentations. This section delves into how these elements can be utilised to enhance the visual appeal and readability of your slides.

Colour psychology and palette selection: Colours are not just aesthetic choices; they evoke emotions and can significantly impact the perception of your presentation. Understanding colour psychology is crucial. For example, blue often conveys professionalism and trust, making it an excellent choice for business presentations, while green can be associated with growth and health. When selecting a colour palette, aim for a harmonious balance that aligns with the tone and content of your presentation. Tools like the colour wheel can help in choosing complementary colours that enhance visual coherence.

Consistency and brand alignment: Consistency in colour usage helps in creating a cohesive presentation. If your presentation is for a specific brand or organisation, aligning with its colour scheme can reinforce brand identity. This consistency also aids in audience retention as it provides a visually unified journey through your presentation.

Typography matters: The choice of font and text styling plays a crucial role in readability and audience engagement. While selecting fonts, consider the context and tone of your presentation. Serif fonts, like Times New Roman, often suggest formality and are suitable for traditional presentations. Sans-serif fonts, like Arial, offer a modern and clean look, ideal for more contemporary topics. Remember, legibility is key. Avoid overly decorative fonts and maintain a font size that is readable from a distance.

Balancing font styles and sizes: Use different font sizes and styles (like bold or italic) to create a visual hierarchy in your text, guiding the viewer’s attention to the most critical parts of your slide. However, maintain a limit on the number of different fonts used to avoid a cluttered or disjointed appearance.

By thoughtfully combining colours and typography, you can significantly elevate the impact of your PowerPoint slides. These elements, when used effectively, not only grab attention but also make the information more accessible and memorable to your audience.

Incorporating visuals and graphics strategically

Visuals and graphics, when incorporated correctly, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your PowerPoint presentations. This section will explore how to select and integrate these elements for maximum impact.

The power of visual communication: Visuals can communicate complex information quickly and memorably. The key is to choose images and graphics that are directly relevant to your content. For instance, using a chart to depict statistical data can be far more impactful than simply listing the numbers.

Quality over quantity: Always opt for high-quality images and graphics. Blurry or pixelated visuals can detract from the professionalism of your presentation. However, be mindful of the quantity. Overloading slides with too many visuals can lead to clutter, making it hard for the audience to focus on the essential elements.

Consistency in style: Consistency is as important in visuals as it is in colour and typography. Ensure that all your visuals follow a similar style or theme. This could mean using the same filter for all images, similar illustration styles, or consistent iconography. This uniformity helps in creating a cohesive visual narrative throughout your presentation.

Graphs and charts for data representation: When presenting data, graphs and charts are invaluable. They provide a visual representation that can make complex information more digestible. Ensure these are clearly labelled and easy to understand at a glance. Tools like PowerPoint’s built-in chart features can be very effective for this purpose.

Integrating visuals with text: While visuals are powerful, they need to be balanced with the text. Use visuals to complement or emphasise your written content, not replace it. The text and visuals should work in tandem to convey your message effectively.

Incorporating visuals and graphics thoughtfully into your PowerPoint slides can transform the way your audience interacts with your content. It’s about finding the right balance and ensuring that each visual element serves a purpose in reinforcing your message.

Slide layout and spatial arrangement

The layout and spatial arrangement of elements on your PowerPoint slides play a crucial role in how your message is perceived and understood. This section focuses on strategies for organising content in an aesthetically pleasing and logical manner.

The importance of white space: One of the most overlooked aspects of slide design is the use of white space, or negative space. This space, free from text and graphics, is not wasted. Instead, it helps to reduce clutter and allows your audience to focus on the key elements of your slide. Proper use of white space can bring a sense of elegance and clarity to your presentation.

Logical flow of information: Arrange the elements on your slide in a way that guides the viewer’s eye naturally through the content. This can be achieved by aligning text and visuals in a logical sequence, such as left-to-right or top-to-bottom, following the natural reading pattern. Ensure that the most important information takes precedence both in size and positioning.

Consistent layout across slides: Consistency in the layout across different slides aids in maintaining a coherent narrative. Use a similar structure for each slide, whether it’s the placement of the title, text, or images. This consistency helps your audience to follow the presentation without getting lost or distracted by varying layouts.

Balancing elements: Balance is key in slide design. A slide that is too heavy on one side can feel unbalanced and distracting. Aim for an even distribution of text and visuals, ensuring that each slide feels harmonious and well-composed.

Responsive design for different displays: Keep in mind that your PowerPoint presentation might be viewed on various screens and devices. Ensure that your layout is responsive and looks good on different display sizes. This might mean avoiding overly intricate details that could get lost on smaller screens.

A well-thought-out slide layout and spatial arrangement can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your presentation. It’s not just about making slides look good; it’s about using design to guide and reinforce your message.

Animating with purpose

Animations and transitions in PowerPoint can be powerful tools when used purposefully. This section explores how to use these features to add value to your presentation without overcomplicating or distracting from the main message.

Selective use of animations: The key to effective use of animations is moderation. Choose animations that serve a specific purpose, such as emphasising a key point, illustrating a process, or showing changes over time. Avoid using animations merely for decorative purposes as they can distract from the content.

Consistency and subtlety: Maintain a consistent style of animations throughout your presentation. Using too many different types of animations can create a disjointed experience for your audience. Opt for subtle animations that complement the content rather than overpower it.

Timing is crucial: The timing of animations can significantly impact the flow of your presentation. Animations that are too slow can drag the pace, while too fast animations might confuse the audience. Adjust the timing to match the rhythm of your speech and ensure that each animation is synchronized with what you are saying.

Transitions between slides: Just like animations within slides, transitions between slides should also be used judiciously. Choose transitions that match the tone of your presentation and use them consistently. For most professional presentations, simple transitions like ‘Fade’ or ‘Push’ are preferable as they are less distracting.

Testing on different devices: Before finalising your presentation, test the animations on different devices and screens to ensure they work smoothly. This is especially important if you are presenting in a setting where you are not using your own device.

Using animations and transitions thoughtfully in PowerPoint can enhance the storytelling aspect of your presentation, making it more dynamic and engaging. Remember, the goal is to aid in the communication of your message, not to overshadow it.

In the world of PowerPoint presentations, presentation design principles are more than just guidelines; they are the framework that breathes life into your slides. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the essentials of design—from the fundamental principles of balance, contrast, and alignment, to the nuanced use of colour, typography, visuals, and animations. Each element plays a pivotal role in transforming standard presentations into extraordinary visual narratives.

Remember, the goal of applying these design principles is not merely to create aesthetically pleasing slides, but to enhance the communication and impact of your message. A well-designed PowerPoint slide can captivate your audience, simplify complex information, and leave a lasting impression.

As you embark on your next PowerPoint project, keep these principles in mind. Experiment with balance, play with colours, choose your typography wisely, strategically place your visuals, and animate with purpose. With practice and attention to these guidelines, you’ll be able to craft presentations that are not only visually stunning but also effective in conveying your message.

In the dynamic landscape of presentation design, continuous learning and adaptation are key. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in PowerPoint design to keep your presentations fresh and engaging. Remember, the best presentations are those that connect, communicate, and resonate with the audience.

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Use contrast in the middle of a presentation to transform

Nancy Duarte

Doing a quick internet search for “Tips for the beginning of a presentation” and “Tips for presentation endings,” will serve up thousands of relevant results. But just try looking for tips on how to write the bulk of your presentation — the middle, and you won’t find much. That’s because most people don’t understand the significance of the middle of a presentation, and in turn, tend to overlook it — even though it has the power to be the most persuasive part.

The middle is the longest section of the presentation and the place where you can persuade an audience to your position on how to solve a problem. The middle is also where you can give your talk a narrative structure, based in story frameworks, that creates suspense to hook your listeners, which can make your talk riveting.

How do I write an effective middle of a presentation?

Use story archetypes and make your audience the hero

Write your talk as if the audience is the hero of your idea who will help you make it a reality.

To effectively shape the middle of a presentation around your listeners, get to know them well enough to craft content that feels relevant. Create an Audience Needs Map™ so you can better understand who they are and what will speak to them.

Once you’ve investigated things like audience fears, goals, hopes, interests, daily roles, responsibilities, and more, try to anticipate their resistance to the ideas you are presenting. Or, predict the obstacles they might encounter while trying to adopt them.

Write the middle of a presentation as a story about overcoming that resistance or surpassing those obstacles. Stories are inherently about overcoming hardships to get to a desired goal. A presentation utilizing this structure will feel familiar to them and help them digest the information you have to offer.

A great example of a talk that portrays the audience as hero is Bill Gates’ 2009 TED talk, On Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Education . Gates describes several global issues his foundation is trying but struggling to tackle (i.e. rampant malaria and poor education). He then defers to audience members as the brilliant minds who can help him fix the problems.

By outlining potential solutions and predicting possible hurdles, Gates paints a clear picture of what would be needed from listeners to help reach his goals and inspires them to take action.

Capture and keep attention by weaving in contrast

Contrast is key when it comes to creating a compelling middle of a presentation. Infuse contrast into the middle so it grips and holds people’s attention. You can:

• Juxtapose “what is” vs. “what could be”: Describe your hero’s current state with the one they could reach if they support your idea or do what you’re urging. Create contrast by describing a not-so-great present that will make them see the need for change. Then, talk about a potential much-better future if they take action on your ideas. Contrasting the present and the possible future is a powerful technique for creating suspense and propelling listener’s mindsets forward.
• Incorporate emotional and analytical content: Stories trigger emotional appeal. Facts can work to convince through logical appeal.Throughout the middle, alternate emotional narrative elements with illustrative facts and stats. Contrasting the type of content you deliver keeps an audience from feeling your content is mundane. It also helps you appeal to a variety of listeners: those who prefer creative, story-like content, and then those who are more analytical-brained and need cold, hard data to be persuaded.

Step in and be the mentor they can trust

When listeners feel you relate to them, you can more easily demonstrate empathy, and studies show that empathy directly generates feelings of trust.

When the audience trusts you, you can influence the audience at critical junctures. Just like the mentor in stories, you appear in the journey to help them move past blockades of doubt and fear.

Explain how the ideas and beliefs you are presenting help them get unstuck. Be authoritative and knowledgeable about how and why. As a trusted guide, you can convince listeners that your ideas are worth adopting, and then inspire them to heed your call for forward movement.

A successful talk has three parts — each of which has a job. Your beginning may start you off on the right foot and your closing can hammer home your message. But the middle of a presentation is where the action really happens.

Write the bulk of your presentation as if it is a story about a heroic audience member who struggles — but succeeds — at their mission. You’ll have them lured into a story about how they can improve their present situation and inspire them to adopt new behaviors that help them (and you) reach their goals.

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A step-by-step guide to captivating PowerPoint presentation design

november 20, 2023

by Corporate PowerPoint Girl

Do you often find yourself stuck with a lackluster PowerPoint presentation, desperately seeking ways to make it more engaging and visually appealing? If your boss has ever told you to "please fix" a presentation and you didn't know where to start, you're not alone. In this article, we'll walk you through a straightforward method to transform your PowerPoint slides into a visually captivating masterpiece. 

Let's dive right in! 

Clean up your slides 

The first step in this journey to presentation excellence is all about decluttering your slides and elevating their impact. Say goodbye to those uninspiring bullet points that often dominate presentations. Instead, focus on what truly matters – the key call-out numbers. By increasing the font size of these numbers, you ensure they take center stage, immediately drawing your audience's attention. 

To make those numbers pop, consider breaking the text after the numbers into the next line and adding a touch of color. The contrast created by pairing a dark color with a lighter shade, like dark teal and light teal or burnt orange with peach, can work wonders. This simple adjustment makes your data more engaging , enhancing the overall impact of your presentation. 

Add dimension with boxes 

Now, let's introduce an element of depth and organization to your slides. By adding boxes, you'll create a visually pleasing structure that guides your audience through the content. In the "Insert" menu, select "Table" and opt for a one-by-one table. Change the table color to a light gray shade, elongate it, and position it neatly to the left of your text. 

To improve readability and aesthetics, increase the spacing between text phrases. A small adjustment in the before spacing setting (setting it to 48) significantly enhances the visual appeal of your slides. 

Insert circles 

To further enhance the visual appeal and engagement of your slides, let's introduce circles. In the Insert menu, navigate to Shapes and choose the circle. Adjust the circle's height and width to 1.2, ensuring it complements your content seamlessly. Match the circle's shape fill color with the corresponding text color for a harmonious look. 

Avoid using colored outlines for the circles, as they may distract from the overall aesthetic. This simple addition of circles adds an element of visual interest to your presentation, making it more captivating. 

Choose icons 

Now, it's time for a touch of creativity. Selecting icons to complement your text can elevate the clarity and appeal of your slides. In the "Insert" menu, you can search for relevant keywords to find the perfect icon from PowerPoint's extensive library . 

For instance, if your text discusses investment portfolio yield, search for "growth" and choose an upward arrow growth icon. These icons add an extra layer of visual appeal and clarity to your content, making it more engaging and informative. 

Final touches 

To wrap up the transformation process, we come to the final touches that give your presentation a polished, professional finish. Align your icons with their corresponding circles and change the shape fill color to white. This simple adjustment creates a crisp, cohesive look that ties everything together seamlessly. 

In conclusion, by following these steps, you've embarked on a journey to enhance your PowerPoint presentation . These initial steps are just the beginning of your exploration into the world of design elements and styles that can cater to your specific presentation needs. The key to a stunning PowerPoint presentation lies in the details. By following these steps, you can turn a lackluster set of slides into a visually engaging and dynamic presentation that will captivate your audience. So, the next time your boss says, "Please fix," you'll know exactly where to start. Happy presenting! 

Related topics

6.3 Formatting Microsoft PowerPoint Slides: Layout and Design Principles

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Format the layout of each slide
• Understand best practices in design principles

It’s time to transform the five slides from My Life in a Snapshot by manipulating the layout and adding options. Formatting the layout of each slide in Microsoft PowerPoint is the process of adding, subtracting, and/or adjusting the arrangement of elements such as text, images, and shapes on a slide. You may want to format the layout of a slide in PowerPoint to make it more visually appealing and effective for your audience. PowerPoint includes many options for altering the layout of the slide. The slide layout can be changed by using the tool on the Home tab in the Slides command group . From the Home tab, select Layout tab from the Slides command group. Here, you will see a listing and image of the layout options.

We have used three types of layouts in My Life in a Snapshot . Here are some commonly used slide layouts:

• Title Slide : This layout includes a title and subtitle and is typically used for the first slide of a presentation .
• Title and Content: This layout includes a title, subtitle, and one or two content boxes that you can use for text or media. This layout is typically used to give an overview of the presentation and the main topics to be covered.
• Comparison: This layout includes two content boxes, which can be used to present different types of information, such as text and images, or to compare and contrast two pieces of information.
• Section Header: This layout is used to create a slide that can be used as a header for a section of a presentation. It typically includes a title and subtitle, with a distinctive design.
• Content with Caption: This layout includes a content box and a caption box, which can be used to present a single image or other media and provide additional information about it.

These common PowerPoint slide layouts can help you create a clear and effective presentation structure. You can add, remove, or customize placeholders as you need, as well as use combinations of these layouts to create a unique, personalized presentation. PowerPoint also offers a variety of built-in slide layouts that you can use to create different types of slides.

Formatting Layout

When you design your slide layouts, arranging text boxes and other objects becomes key in making sure they are positioned in an effective manner. In this section, we will review the Alignment Guides option within the View tab and discuss the numerous built-in layout designs that PowerPoint can offer.

Alignment Guides

As stated previously, getting things to look exactly how you want them to appear next to each other is crucial to maximizing the design power of PowerPoint. But it can be difficult to align objects with other objects on a single slide, or objects with text, using only your mouse. Under the View tab, you will find a helpful alignment tool that you can access by checking the Guides box. When this box is checked, there will be two dashed lines on the presentation slide, one centered vertically and the other centered horizontally.

When you hover your mouse over one of these lines while holding down the Ctrl key, the cursor turns into a double line with arrows. Drag the line to where you want one guideline to be and let go of the mouse. When you do this, another line is created.

Hold down the Option key, not the Ctrl key, to turn your cursor into a double line with arrows.

You can continue to add guidelines anywhere on your slide to insert and align objects, text boxes, photos, and so forth. (In the section on Adding Visuals and Features to Microsoft PowerPoint Slides , we will cover inserting objects and images.) See Figure 6.23 for a visual example of what the guides look like after adding them to a slide. (If you see that the Guides box is checked but no lines are apparent, just uncheck it and check it again. That will usually bring the guides back into view.)

Link to Learning

Not every presentation has to be delivered by a person. There are many reasons why creating a self-running presentation is valuable. Many companies will design a presentation that can be left unattended in a booth or kiosk, at a trade show or convention, or saved as a video and sent to a client list. A self-running presentation can also help address time-related constraints. Read Microsoft’s steps for creating a self-running slideshow in PowerPoint to learn more.

Design Principles

In this section, you will learn about some basic design principles that are best practices for designing your own slides or choosing a theme for your presentation. You’ll find out how to use proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast, and white space to make your design elements stand out.

In photography, proximity refers to nearness —the distance between the camera and the subject being photographed. In the context of PowerPoint , it refers to the distance between the audience and the subject matter being presented. You can control the relative proximity within a PowerPoint slide. In photography, proximity can affect the composition of the photograph by changing the relative sizes of the elements in the frame. For example, if the camera is positioned close to a small subject, the subject may appear larger in the frame; if the camera is positioned farther away, the subject may appear smaller. The proximity of the camera to the subject can also influence the overall look of the photograph. A photograph taken from a close distance may have a more intimate or detailed appearance, while one taken from farther away may have a more distant or expansive look.

Proximity is an important consideration in designing PowerPoint layouts because it can affect the composition, perspective, and overall look of each slide. In Figure 6.24 , you can see two different sizes of the budget sheet. The first one is effective for an overall view of what the document looks like. The second one is more effective if you want the audience to be able to read it. If so, it’s preferable to zoom in as close as possible to that content.

Aligning objects or text on a page adds organization and creates a sense of cohesion, making your content in general more usable. When alignment exists on a slide, the human eye knows where to focus, and the slide is more comfortable to view. In PowerPoint, alignment is the way that text, images, and other elements are positioned on a slide. Proper alignment is important because it helps to create a cohesive, professional-looking presentation. When elements on a slide are aligned, they are more visually balanced, which can make the slide look more organized and appealing to the audience. Properly aligned elements can help guide the viewer’s eye and create a natural flow from one element to the next, making the presentation easier to follow and understand. In addition to the Guides checkbox that we reviewed in the section on Formatting Layout , there are also checkboxes for Rulers and Gridlines. Ticking these boxes will show additional lines on the slide that will help you align your slide elements.

Repetition is the use of similar or identical elements, such as colors, fonts, or design elements, across multiple slides in a presentation. In a slideshow, repetition—especially when similar elements are repeated across multiple slides—can make the presentation feel more polished and professional and make it easy for the audience to follow and understand. Repetition also promotes a consistent look and feel for the presentation. Repetition of important elements such as headings or key points can establish a visual hierarchy that guides the viewer’s eye and makes your presentation easier to follow.

Repetition of visual elements is a good way of reinforcing the key points you want to establish with the audience because they know where to look. In this way, repetition makes the main message of your presentation more memorable and connected for the audience.

In presentations, contrast refers to the use of different elements, such as colors, fonts, and other design elements, to focus attention and create visual interest. You may want to use contrasting colors, such as complementary colors or light and dark shades, or contrasting fonts, such as a bold or decorative font for headings and a simple font for body text. Using contrast helps create a hierarchy and makes your presentation easier to follow.

Using contrasting design elements, such as different shapes or patterns, can help to add visual interest and break up the slide into distinct sections. Overall, contrast is a useful tool in presentations because it can help to draw attention, create visual interest, and make the presentation more effective and engaging for the audience. Notice how in the new title slide of My Life in a Snapshot ( Figure 6.21 ), the title is in large font, the subtitle is in small font, and the colors used are off-white, red, and black. The different font sizes and colors contrast with one another and create an engaging, yet professional, appearance.

White Space

The last design element to consider within this section is white space . White space, also known as negative space, is the unoccupied areas of a slide that are not filled with text or other content. By leaving enough white space around text and other elements, you can make the content easier to read and understand. White space can be used to create visual interest by creating balance and separating different elements on the slide. By surrounding a key point or element with white space, you can draw attention to it and make it stand out. Additionally, using white space consistently throughout a presentation can help to create a cohesive look and feel. It is an important element of slide design and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the readability, visual appeal, and effectiveness of a presentation. Filling your slides with text or images will make them look too busy and hard for your audience to read. Using the Designer tool to suggest different layouts can help add white space and sustain interest throughout the presentation with aesthetically pleasing slides.

Another principle that underlies all the design principles reviewed in this section is known as the rule of thirds . This is a basic principle of photography and design that suggests that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. It is essentially a tic-tac-toe game board!

Real-World Application

Applying the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds theory suggests that if you place the important elements of the image along these lines, or at their intersections, your photo or design will be more balanced and will have more visual interest. By placing the main subject of your photo or design along one of the lines or at an intersection, you can create a sense of tension and dynamism that draws the viewer’s eye into the image. Additionally, using the rule of thirds can help you avoid placing the subject of your image dead center every time, which can make for a static and uninteresting composition.

Although the rule of thirds is not a hard-and-fast rule, it is a useful guideline that can help you create more visually appealing and dynamic compositions in your slide creations and layouts. Figure 6.25 provides an example of a grid created according to the rule of thirds.

There are other composition models you can use, as well. The point is that in design, composition is the basis of it all. You want a well-composed layout and placement of text and images, aligned so that the eye moves easily about the slide.

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Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/workplace-software-skills/pages/1-chapter-scenario

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The Power of Color: How to Apply Color Theory in Your Presentations

Stop putting your audience to sleep with boring presentations learn how to apply color theory for a more impactful and engaging design..

In the digital age , presentation skills are more important than ever . With countless slideshows, webinars, and virtual meetings happening every day, it’s easy for your message to get lost in the noise. That’s where color theory comes in.

Color theory is the science and art of using color to create a harmonious and impactful visual experience . By understanding how colors interact and how they affect our mood and perception, you can take your presentations from boring to brilliant.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of color theory and how you can apply it to your presentations to create a lasting impression on your audience. We’ll cover everything from color psychology to color combinations and show you how to use them to create compelling and effective presentations.

First, we’ll dive into the psychology of color . Did you know that different colors can elicit different emotional responses from your audience? For example, red is often associated with passion and energy, while blue is often associated with calmness and trustworthiness. By understanding the psychological impact of colors, you can use them strategically to enhance your message and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Next, we’ll explore color combinations . Choosing the right colors can make or break your presentation. We’ll teach you the basics of color harmonies and show you how to create eye-catching color schemes that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective at conveying your message.

We’ll also cover practical tips on how to use color in your presentations , such as how to choose the right font color, how to use color to highlight important information, and how to avoid common mistakes that can detract from your message.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of color theory and how to apply it to your presentations . You’ll be able to create stunning visuals that capture your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression. So, whether you’re a seasoned presenter or a beginner just starting out, this article is for you. Get ready to take your presentations from boring to brilliant with the power of color theory.

Psychology of Color

Color has a powerful impact on our emotions and perception. Understanding the psychology of color can help you use it to your advantage in your presentations, making them more engaging, memorable, and effective.

Let’s start with red. Red is a high-energy color that is often associated with passion, excitement, and urgency. It can stimulate the senses and increase heart rate and blood pressure. That’s why you’ll often see it used in advertising and marketing to grab people’s attention and create a sense of urgency. However, too much red can be overwhelming and even aggressive, so use it sparingly and strategically.

These are just a few examples of how color can affect our emotions and perception . By understanding the psychology of color, you can use it to your advantage in your presentations, creating a visual experience that not only looks great but also resonates with your audience on a deeper level and create the mood and atmosphere you want. So, choose your colors wisely and get ready to make an impact with the power of color psychology. Remember to balance colors appropriately and use them strategically to enhance your message and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Color Combinations

Choosing the right color scheme for your presentation can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to creating a cohesive and impactful visual experience for your audience. Here are some tips on how to explore color combinations and choose the right colors for your presentation.

Start with a color wheel

A color wheel is a great tool for exploring color combinations. It shows the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors and can help you create complementary, analogous, or triadic color schemes. Play around with different combinations to see what works best for your message and brand.

Consider your brand

If you have an established brand, you may want to use your brand colors in your presentation to reinforce brand recognition. If not, consider the values and message of your presentation and choose colors that reflect those. For example, if your presentation is about nature, you may want to use green and earth tones.

Think about the mood

Different colors evoke different emotions and moods. Consider the mood you want to create in your presentation and choose colors that reflect that. For example, if you want to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, you may want to use light blues or soft pastels.

Use contrast

Contrast can make your presentation more visually interesting and help important information stand out. Choose colors that contrast well with each other, such as black and white or red and green. But be careful not to use too many contrasting colors, as it can be overwhelming for your audience.

Keep it simple

Too many colors can be distracting and take away from your message. Stick to a few main colors and use them consistently throughout your presentation. This will create a more cohesive and professional look.

Consider accessibility

It’s important to choose colors that are accessible to all individuals, including those with color blindness. Avoid using color alone to convey important information and use high-contrast color combinations to make it easier for everyone to read and understand.

Test it out

Before your presentation, test out your color scheme on different devices and screens to ensure it looks good in all environments. You can also ask a few colleagues or friends for their feedback on the color scheme and adjust as needed.

In summary, exploring color combinations and choosing the right colors for your presentation takes some thought and consideration. Use a color wheel, consider your brand and the mood you want to create, use contrast, keep it simple, consider accessibility, and test it out. By following these tips, you can create a visually appealing and effective presentation that connects with your audience on a deeper level.

How to Choose the Right Color s for Presentations

Using color effectively in your presentations is an important part of creating a visually engaging and impactful experience for your audience. Here are some practical tips on how to use color in your presentations.

Choose the right font color

Font color is crucial for readability, so it’s important to choose a color that contrasts well with your background. For example, black or dark gray text works well on a light background, while white or light text is better on a dark background. Avoid using light-colored text on a light background or dark-colored text on a dark background, as it can be difficult to read.

Use color to highlight important information

Color can draw attention to important information and help it stand out from the rest of the content. Use a contrasting color to highlight key points, such as statistics or quotes. But be careful not to overdo it, as too much color can be overwhelming and detract from your message.

Create a consistent color scheme

A consistent color scheme can make your presentation look more polished and professional. Choose a few main colors and use them consistently throughout your presentation. This includes font color, background color, and accent colors. Use shades of the same color to create depth and interest.

Avoid common color mistakes

There are a few common mistakes that can detract from your message. For example, using too many bright or clashing colors can be distracting, while using too many pastel or muted colors can be boring. Avoid using neon colors, as they can be difficult to read and can give your presentation an unprofessional look.

Consider cultural differences

Different cultures can associate different meanings with colors. For example, in Western cultures, white is often associated with purity and innocence, while in some Asian cultures, it’s associated with mourning. Be mindful of the cultural context of your audience and choose colors that are appropriate.

Use color in charts and graphs

Charts and graphs can be made more visually appealing and easier to understand by using color to differentiate data sets. Use consistent colors throughout the chart or graph to create a clear visual hierarchy.

In summary, using color effectively in your presentations requires some thought and consideration. Choose the right font color, use color to highlight important information, create a consistent color scheme, avoid common color mistakes, consider cultural differences, and use color in charts and graphs. By following these practical tips, you can create a visually engaging and impactful presentation that resonates with your audience.

Tips and Tricks: How to Make Your Presentation Look Professional

Applying the theory of color to your presentations can take your design game to the next level. Here are some tips on how to apply color theory effectively in your presentations , along with some modern design tips to enhance your visuals .

Understand the basics of color theory

Understanding color theory is essential to using color effectively in your presentations. It’s important to understand the different color schemes, such as complementary, analogous, and monochromatic, and how they can be used to create visual interest and harmony. Additionally, knowing the emotions and associations that are commonly associated with certain colors can help you create a mood or convey a message.

Choose a color palette

Once you have a basic understanding of color theory, it’s time to choose a color palette for your presentation. You can choose a color palette based on your brand colors, the theme of your presentation, or the emotions you want to evoke. Stick to a limited color palette to keep your design cohesive and avoid overwhelming your audience.

Create visual interest with contrast

Contrast is important for creating visual interest and directing the viewer’s attention. Use contrasting colors to create a hierarchy of information and draw attention to important elements. This can include using a bright color for headings or important text, or using a contrasting color for buttons or calls to action.

Use color blocking

Color blocking is a modern design trend that involves using large areas of color to create a bold and impactful design. Use color blocking to create a strong visual hierarchy and make important information stand out. For example, you can use a bright color for the background of a slide and use a contrasting color for the text.

Consider typography

Typography is an important part of design, and it’s essential to consider the relationship between your font and your color palette. Choose fonts that complement your color palette and create a harmonious design. Use a bold font for headings and a more subtle font for body text. You can use a free tool like Google Fonts to search for the right font.

Add texture

Texture can add depth and interest to your design, and it can be achieved through the use of patterns or images. Use texture sparingly, as too much can be overwhelming. Consider using texture to add visual interest to backgrounds or to create contrast between different elements. Also, you can use our free backgrounds to enhance your slides.

In conclusion, applying the theory of color to your presentations requires a basic understanding of color theory, the ability to choose a color palette, creating contrast, using color blocking, considering typography, and adding texture. By following these tips, you can create a visually engaging and modern design that effectively communicates your message to your audience.

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Colour Contrast and how it Applies to PowerPoint

• Fiona Walsh
• July 9, 2021
• No Comments

When you create slides in PowerPoint, do you consider colour contrast? A recent poll conducted on LinkedIn showed that only 5% of people use a contrast tool to check how easy it is to read their content.

I don’t know about you, but recently I have seen some very hard to read PowerPoint slides. Imagine losing out on business because a potential customer couldn’t read your slides, or social media posts, for that matter ! This is why colour contrast is so important. What do we mean by colour contrast? How easy it is to see text, depending on the colour of the text and background. The image below shows some examples.

I’ve always had an interest in colour. Many years ago, I worked in the automotive industry. My job was to colour match the fabric for the interior of cars. When a new roll of material arrived on site, I had to assess it to ensure the colour was within tolerance. The company made interior parts for companies including Rover, Land Rover, Toyota, Ford and Jaguar. These companies did not want the fabric on one door to look different from another door.

Colour Tests

On my first day on the job, I was introduced to the Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue colour test. The test consists of 4 trays containing 85 removable colour reference caps of incremental hue variations spanning the visible spectrum. The colour caps were removed and put in random order. The test involves putting the caps back into hue order between two fixed hues. This is repeated for each of the four trays.

I passed with zero errors. I had an eye for colour! My boss, a man, told me that he rarely saw this result. Why is it important to say to you my boss was a man? Because men are more likely to experience colour blindness than women. According to X-rite, a manufacturer of spectrophotometers (scientific equipment to measure colour), 1 in 12 males has a form of colour blindness compared with 1 in 225 women; a big difference! I worked in a male-dominated environment. Perhaps that was why my boss had never seen anyone get a perfect score before.

If like me, you’re curious, you can take an online test on the X-rite website . Here’s an example of the test before and after completion. On the left is the test before you start and on the right is the completed test.

And, here’s the result below. Although I now wear glasses, my colour assessment is still as sharp as twenty-something years ago!

What does all this have to do with PowerPoint slide design?

We perceive colour differently, and what’s more, some people with colour blindness only see in black and white or greyscale. The most crucial aspect to consider when creating a presentation is our audience, so how can we cater for colour disabilities when we design PowerPoint slides?

One way is to consider the contrast between the colour of your text and the background colour. There are several online tools you can use. The assessment is based on the  Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 .

These tools allow you to enter the colour of your text and background using various colour measurements units. If this is all new to you, start with Contrast Checker because this tool allows you to use RGB colour units (Red, Green, Blue) used in PowerPoint. Below is the output from Contrast Checker. As you can see, this combination ticks all the boxes.

The pass or fail criteria are based on different font sizes, the brightness and colour difference and how readable your text is in greyscale (for people who cannot see in colour). 

Others tools available are  WebAim  and  Coolors . 

I’d love to hear your feedback on these tools and if you’d like to know more about how I can help you with your PowerPoint slide, check out my  Services  page! 

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How to Change Picture Brightness or Contrast in PowerPoint

Change the Brightness or Contrast of Images in PowerPoint (2 Ways)

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 10, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

In PowerPoint, you can change the brightness or contrast of a picture using picture correction tools in the Ribbon or in the Format Picture task pane.

Note: Buttons and Ribbon tabs may display in a different way (with or without text) depending on your version of PowerPoint, the size of your screen and your Control Panel settings. For PowerPoint 365 users, Ribbon tabs may appear with different names. For example, the Picture Tools Format tab may appear as Picture Format and the Drawing Tools Format tab may appear as Drawing Format or Shape Format.

Recommended article: How to Make a Picture Transparent in PowerPoint (3 Ways)

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Adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Ribbon

To adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Ribbon:

• Select the picture you want to adjust.
• Click the Picture Tools Format or Picture Format tab in the Ribbon.
• In the Adjust group, click Corrections. A drop-down menu appears.
• Under Brightness/Contrast, hover over the thumbnails to preview the effect and when you find the setting you want, click the thumbnail.
• Thumbnails on the left show less brightness and thumbnails on the right show more brightness. Thumbnails on the top show less contrast and thumbnails on the bottom show more contrast.

The Picture Corrections drop-down menu appears as follows in the Ribbon:

Adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Format Picture task pane

You can use the Format Picture task pane for more control over brightness and contrast settings.

To adjust picture brightness or contrast using the Format Picture task pane:

• Click More Picture Corrections Options. The Format Picture task pane appears. At the top of the task pane, the Picture icon should be selected.
• Click the arrow beside Picture Corrections to expand the area (if necessary).
• Drag the slider beside Brightness and / or Contrast to change the settings. You can also enter a number in the box next to the slider.

The Format Picture task pane appears as follows:

In PowerPoint, you can also remove the changes by clicking Reset in the task pane.

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How to Insert or Type E with an Accent Mark in PowerPoint (È, É, Ê, Ë, è, é, ê, or ë)

You can insert or type e with an accent mark in PowerPoint using built-in tools or keyboard shortcuts (including Alt code shortcuts). The letter e can be inserted with an accent in both upper or lower case in text boxes or placeholders on slides, the slide master or layouts. The following are common accents in upper or lower case – È, É, Ê, Ë, è, é, ê, or ë.

How to Fade a Picture or Part of a Picture in PowerPoint (Using a Gradient)

You can fade a picture in PowerPoint by drawing a rectangle shape on top of the picture and then filling the rectangle with a gradient from opaque to transparent. This technique is often used to fade an image into the background of a slide. Since the rectangle is placed on top of the image and then text may be placed on top of the rectangle, you may need to reorder the objects.

How to Lock an Image, Shape or Other Object in PowerPoint

You can now lock an image, shape or other object in PowerPoint. Objects can be locked in Normal View or Slide Master View. Only PowerPoint 365 users can lock objects to prevent moving and resizing. This is helpful if you want to select and move other objects on the slide or prevent others from moving or resizing an object. You can lock items using the context menu or the Selection Pane.

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Compare and Contrast Lesson Ideas and Freebie

How do you teach a “compare and contrast” lesson? What activities do you do to teach your students this important reading skill? In today’s post, I am going to share some ideas to teach a “compare and contrast” lesson.

Check out this blog post if you like some differentiated compare-and-contrast worksheets .

Click here or the picture below to get some free “compare and contrast” lesson slides that will be mentioned below.

Compare and Contrast Pictures

If it’s your first time teaching this reading skill in your class, you may want to start with the definitions of “ compare ” and “ contrast .” Make sure your students know that “compare” means finding the similarities between two things, while “contrast” means identifying their differences .

However, sometimes questions only use “compare” but expect you to find both similarities and differences. Therefore, I always encourage my students to talk about both if they can.

In addition, I noticed that introducing the keywords people use to compare and contrast is actually very helpful, especially when students have to identify similarities and differences in texts.

Next, you can show students how to compare and contrast with any objects in the classroom. You may select two student volunteers and tell them to stand in front of the class. Then guide your class to find similarities and differences between the two volunteers.

However, the classroom is only one setting with limited things. Therefore, you may want to use some pictures to provide your students with more practice. For example,

On the other hand, the Venn Diagram can help students organize information effectively and clearly. So I always include that as scaffolding.

Since pictures are only about moments, make sure the pictures you pick show things that are closely related to students’ life. Otherwise, your students may not have enough background knowledge to talk about the similarities or differences.

Compare and Contrast Related Topics

Once your students get familiar with the process of comparing and contrasting, you may introduce some texts that talk about two related topics, such as the one below:

This slide shows one text about burgers and sandwiches. It also asks students to annotate the text by underlining the similarities in green and differences in red. Annotating the text is an extremely important step in the close reading process and it can effectively improve reading comprehension.

I prepared three activities to go with this text as part of my differentiated instruction.

For Students Who Need Extra Support

These students can work on the drag-and-drop activity as the one below. To be specific, I provide them with statements from the text and a labeled Venn Diagram. When students work on this activity, they are supposed to read each box’s statement and drag the box to the right place in the Venn Diagram.

This way, students can practice the compare-and-contrast activity even when they don’t fully comprehend the text.

For Students Who Need Some Challenge

This group of students won’t need the support of either the statements or the Venn Diagram. Therefore, they can go ahead and work on short-response questions like the ones below. Meanwhile, they can practice their writing skill.

For Students Who Need Some Support

These students can work on some multiple-choice questions before they move on to the short-response questions (see above). Students can eliminate answers to find the best choice. Besides, I also like to ask my students to write or say why the choices they don’t pick are wrong.

Compare and Contrast Writing

We all know that reading and writing are integrated. Therefore, after different kinds of reading practices, I want my students to write about similarities and differences between two topics.

Specifically, I give sentence frames or paragraph structures like the one below as scaffolding for my ELLs and Special eds. While the rest of the students can write a paragraph by themselves.

I shared some “compare and contrast” lesson ideas above. If you find them helpful, you may create materials to use with your students. Or you can get the freebie below to save some planning time.

Click here to get some “compare and contrast” lesson slides.

Besides, if you like the ideas and activities, you may check out these related products from my store by clicking the pictures below.

Want to save? No problem. Simply sign up for the newsletters! I promise more freebies and teaching ideas will come your way!

Related Posts

• Compare and Contrast Worksheets

Happy teaching, 

Other Reading Skills:

• Teaching the Plot of A Story: Ideas, Activities & Freebies
• Gist Activities to Improve Comprehension
• Teaching the Setting of A Story: Ideas, Activities & Freebies