1. James Weaver NWACC EMPACTS
Color and Backdrop Basics
James Weaver
NWACC EMPACTS

2. 4x4 RULE Maximum Four Words Maximum Four Lines Key Points Easy to Read
Try To Stick to only using four words with four lines per slide because this increases the readability of your slides, gives it a more professional look and tends to allow your audience to retain Key Factors. Nothing looks worse in a slide show than turning around to read a block of text. Your four lines should be ques to read, either parts from your notes, or points from you to springboard from and talk freely about. A slide show is about condensing key factors into small areas and talking about the fine details.

3. Sans-Serif Fonts Format Without Extending Features Blocky Easy to Read
Avoid Cursive Fonts
No Comic-Sans
Sans-Serif Fonts include things like Calibri, Arial’s, and Times New Roman. Non-blocky texts can be terribly hard to read. When its hard to read, you will lose your audience very quickly.

4. Consistency and Sizes Font Size > 20pt Same Font Every Slide
Same Size Every Slide
Consistent Title Location
Consistency gives a slideshow a professional look. Consistency allows makes it easier for your audience to read and follow along.

5. Back Drops Solids Gradients Textures
Solids are Great Unless you choose a harsh color like red or bright orange.
Gradients can be a good middle ground however if they go from too dark a color to too light, it becomes way to busy and hard to read.
Textures are really hit or miss…..most of the time they will be too busy.

6. Clean vs. Busy EASY TO READ VERY HARD TO READ Clean Busy
Clean Backdrops are easy to read no matter where the text is placed.
Busy Backdrops have too much going on in them and are therefore harder to read.

7. Know Your Color Wheels http://www.worqx.com/color/color_wheel.htm
Use the hyper link for more info.
That website has plenty of good information regarding color.

8. Neutrals and Hues Blend Your Colors Create Color Schemes
Blend Primaries with Neutrals
Browns, Olives & Navys hues
Softer colors are generally what you want to use while presenting.
If you cannot create your own Color Scheme you can look one up, or PowerPoint has them built in under the design tab at the top of the page.
Harsh Colors are Very Good at showing emphasis especially when your primary color is softer. Like a warring slide could use bright red, it a slide show that mostly uses a pale green or blue.

9. Importance of Color Management
Some Colors Cause Discomfort
Color Can Convey Emotions
Color Can Show Emphasis
Can Make Slides Pretty
Be mindful of what colors you use. Starring at a red or other bright slideshow can cause eye pains and discomfort.
Also be mindful of what feelings colors generally represent.
Using color can also show extreme emphasis when used properly, such as a red highlight on black text with a white backdrop during a white slideshow with black text.
Make your slide appealing but don’t get too lost so that you are unable to convey your message with your slides.
Also think about absence of color and simply using white, as it can be a strong tool as well.

10. Know Your Audience Fonts & Colors Will Vary Children vs Adults
Professionalism
Types of PowerPoints
Children tend to like more colorful slide shows, while business meetings require more bland shows, with infographics.
Professionalism almost always favors clean slides and solid colors with some exceptions.
Remember the Type of PowerPoint you are creating and how long it will last.

11. Thank You
Thanks For Reading.
James
EMPACTS NWACC