The meaning of colour in PowerPoint and the way it stimulates your brain Neil Brighton

The Colour Blue Blue is the overwhelming "favourite colour." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The colour of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective colour of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging colour that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least "gender specific" colour, having equal appeal to both men and women. How the colour blue effects us physically and mentally Calming and sedate Cooling Aids intuition

The Colour Green Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a favourite colour. Green is the pervasive colour in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere. The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the colour of peace and ecology. However, there is an "institutional" side to green, associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions as do the "slimy" or bilious greens. How the colour green effects us physically and mentally Soothing Relaxing mentally as well as physically Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

The Colour Yellow Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colours and instil optimism and energy as well as spark creative thoughts. How the colour yellow effects us mentally and physically Mentally stimulating Stimulates the nervous system Activates memory Encourages communication

The Colour Orange Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than other colours. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal. How the colour orange effects us mentally and physically Stimulates activity Stimulates appetite Encourages socialization

The Colour Red Red has more personal associations than any other colour. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element. How the colour red effects us mentally and physically Increases enthusiasm Stimulates energy Encourages action and confidence A sense of protection from fears and anxiety

The Colour Purple Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a colour often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favourite colour of adolescent girls. How the colour purple effects us mentally and physically Uplifting Calming to mind and nerves Offers a sense of spirituality Encourages creativity

The Colour Brown Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the colour of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic. How the colour brown effects us physically and mentally Feeling of wholesomeness Stability Connection with the earth Offers a sense orderliness

The Colour White White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home. How the colour white effects us mentally and physically aids mental clarity encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles evokes purification of thoughts or actions enables fresh beginnings

The Colour Grey Gray is timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favourite suit colour, grey can mix well with any colour. Although well like and often worn, people rarely name grey as a favourite colour possibly because Gray also is associated with loss or depression.

The Colour Black Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A classic colour for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated. How the colour black effects us physically and mentally Feeling inconspicuous A restful emptiness Mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.

What does the colour Blue represent? Enthusiastic Cooling and calming Memory activator

What does the colour Yellow represent? Encourages Communication Sense of renewal Fresh beginnings

What does the colour Green represent? Stimulate Energy Aids Intuition Soothing

What does the colour Orange represent? Stimulates Appetite Encourages action Feeling of wholesomeness

What does the colour Red represent? Uplifting Increases enthusiasm Feeling inconspicuous

What does the colour Purple represent? Uplifting Stability A restful emptiness

What does the colour Brown represent? Helps alleviate depression Stimulate activity Connection with earth