Strong visuals can elevate your presentation—but cluttered, hard-to-read slides can undermine your message. Use the tips below to design slides that are clear, focused, and engaging. Whether you're presenting in class or to a crowd, these guidelines will help your visuals support (not distract from) what you have to say.
Focus each slide on a single message or idea.
Organize visuals in a logical sequence that mirrors your talk’s structure.
Keep slides text-light: Use only key words and phrases—don’t paste your script onto the screen.
Aim for concise wording. Trim unnecessary text until only the essentials remain.
Always proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
Keep pacing in mind: a good rule is 5–6 slides per 10 minutes of speaking.
Use large fonts—at least 24-point size—so your content is visible from the back of the room.
Stick to simple, legible fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.
Avoid ALL CAPS and large blocks of text, which are difficult to read quickly.
Ensure captions and labels on images or charts are clear and easy to see.
Prioritize white space and avoid clutter. Ask: Does this element serve a purpose?
Avoid decorative or complex backgrounds that make text hard to read.
Resist the temptation to overdesign—less is often more.
Visual effects should support, not distract from, your message.
Use animations and transitions sparingly. Simple fades or slide-ins can be effective if purposeful.
Avoid sound effects—they rarely enhance your content.
Only include video or audio clips when they genuinely help explain or illustrate a point.
Choose a cohesive design style (colors, fonts, layout) and apply it across all slides.
Keep formatting consistent to help your audience follow your ideas more easily.
Use a standard theme or template to maintain visual unity.
Color can enhance your message—but only if used well.
Make sure there is strong contrast between text and background.
Use a highlight color to draw attention to key points.
Stick to a limited palette—2–3 complementary colors per slide is often enough.
Bright colors can look harsh on a projector—opt for more balanced tones.
Not sure what colors to choose? Use pre-designed color themes in PowerPoint or Canva.
Look for opportunities to replace text with visuals: a picture, graph, or diagram may communicate better than a bullet list.
Use 1–2 clear images per slide, ensuring they are high-resolution and focused.
Charts and tables should be simple, easy to read, and visible from a distance.
Keep in mind: what looks crisp on your laptop may appear washed out on a big screen—test your slides in advance when possible.
References:
TED Staff. (2014, July 15). 10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea, from TED’s in-house expert. https://blog.ted.com/10-tips-for-better-slide-decks/
UNSW Sydney. (n.d.). Design tips for presentations. https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/design-tips
