What are the best practices for using font and text size in your presentation design?

1 Choose a simple and professional font

The first step to choosing a font for your presentation is to consider your topic, audience, and tone. You want to select a font that matches the style and mood of your content, as well as the expectations and preferences of your viewers. For example, if you are presenting a formal report, you might want to use a serif font, such as Times New Roman or Georgia, which conveys authority and tradition. If you are presenting a creative project, you might want to use a sans serif font, such as Arial or Helvetica, which conveys modernity and simplicity. However, avoid using fonts that are too fancy, decorative, or childish, such as Comic Sans or Papyrus, which can distract from your message and undermine your professionalism.

2 Use a consistent and coherent font scheme

The second step to choosing a font for your presentation is to use a consistent and coherent font scheme throughout your slides. You want to avoid using too many different fonts, colors, or styles, which can create visual clutter and confusion. Instead, you want to use a font scheme that follows a clear hierarchy and contrast. For example, you can use one font for your titles, another font for your subtitles, and another font for your body text. You can also use different sizes, weights, or colors to distinguish between different levels of information. However, make sure that your font scheme is aligned with your overall theme and branding, and that it is easy to follow and recognize.

3 Use a large and legible font size

The third step to choosing a font for your presentation is to use a large and legible font size for your text. You want to ensure that your text is visible and readable from any distance or angle, especially if you are presenting in a large room or on a big screen. A general rule of thumb is to use a font size of at least 24 points for your body text, and at least 36 points for your titles and subtitles. However, you may need to adjust your font size depending on the amount of text, the type of font, and the resolution of your screen. You can test your font size by standing at the back of the room or zooming out of your slides and checking if you can still see and understand your text.

4 Use text sparingly and strategically

The fourth step to choosing a font for your presentation is to use text sparingly and strategically in your slides. You want to avoid using too much text, which can overwhelm and bore your audience, or too little text, which can leave them confused and uninformed. Instead, you want to use text as a supplement and a guide for your spoken words and visuals. For example, you can use text to highlight your main points, to provide definitions or examples, or to ask questions or make transitions. However, make sure that your text is concise, clear, and relevant, and that it supports your message and your goals.

5 Use text alignment and spacing wisely

The fifth step to choosing a font for your presentation is to use text alignment and spacing wisely in your slides. You want to create a balanced and harmonious layout for your text, which can improve your readability and aesthetics. For example, you can use text alignment to create a sense of order and structure, such as left-aligned, right-aligned, centered, or justified. You can also use text spacing to create a sense of rhythm and flow, such as line spacing, paragraph spacing, or letter spacing. However, make sure that your text alignment and spacing are consistent and appropriate for your font and your content, and that they do not create gaps or overlaps in your slides.