This week we are moving on to font selection. The right font choices can infuse your presentation with clarity, making even complex information clear and engaging.
Creating Captivating Presentation Series Outline
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But where do you start when it comes to choosing the right fonts? First, here is a quick video that perfectly captures the βpersonalityβ of fonts. π€£
Before I started BreakoutRN, I didnβt really pay attention to fonts. But now that I have to choose fonts, I notice them EVERYWHERE! There are fonts for book covers and signage at schools, and the font my sonβs teacher chose for a project instruction page. But what I notice most is a βbadβ fontβone that is difficult to read or doesnβt convey the feeling of the text.
When you are creating captivating slide decks, the problem is that there are too many choices. There is the default font, but variation is the spice of life right? And once you start exploring, you become overwhelmed with options.
Here, we will review five simple tips to help make your font choice easy and ensure your slides are accessible to all students.
π Prioritize Key Words Only
Resist the urge to cram your slides with dense text. Instead, keep content to a minimumβlimit each slide to essential words or short, impactful phrases. This creates a clean, focused look that allows your audience to stay engaged with your message without getting lost in a sea of text.
Example:
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βοΈ This example uses only keywords, keeping the slide focused and easy to scanβideal for emphasizing critical clinical themes.
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π« Overloading the slide with text in a distracting font dilutes your key message and can overwhelm your audience.
π Enhance Readability with Font Choice
When it comes to font selection, choose clean, legible styles that are easily read from a distance. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Open Sans tend to be the most readable on screens. Avoid overly decorative or script fonts - they may look fancy but can actually distract and reduce clarity, especially for attendees with visual impairments.
Example:
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βοΈ The simplicity and clarity of this font make it easy for all learners to readβeven from a distance in a busy clinical environment.
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π« Although playful, these fonts sacrifice readability for style, potentially hindering comprehension for those needing clear, straightforward information.
If you are looking for font pairings, check out this article from Canva. It makes the choice easy; just pick a pairing that you like.
π Establish a Font Hierarchy
Use size and style (bold, italics, etc.) to differentiate headings, subheadings, and main points. A hierarchy looks polished and guides your audience through each slide, making it easy for them to quickly grasp the most essential information.
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βοΈ The clear distinction between header and body text naturally guides the audience through the slide, highlighting key topics for quick comprehension.
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π« Without differentiation, the slide lacks structure, making it harder for learners to identify and prioritize the essential information quickly.
π§Ή Avoid Overcrowding
Leave ample white space around your text. Minimal content with breathing room not only looks polished but also helps keep your audience focused on your key points rather than getting overwhelmed. This is especially important for attendees with cognitive or attention challenges.
Example:
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βοΈ This minimalist approach ensures that the key idea stands out without overwhelming the slide.
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π« Same message, but overcrowded text creates visual chaos, making it difficult for your audience to process essential details quickly.
π¨ Maintain Consistency
Use one or two complementary fonts throughout your presentation. This will create a cohesive, professional look, ensuring your audience stays engaged with your content and is not distracted by inconsistent design choices.
β βΏ Consider Accessibility
When selecting fonts, also consider accessibility. Opt for fonts with clear, distinct letterforms that are easy to read for attendees with visual, cognitive, or learning disabilities. Avoid using color alone to convey meaning, and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background. These minor tweaks can make a big difference in ensuring your slides are inclusive.
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βοΈ This choice ensures that your message is accessible to all learners, including those with visual or cognitive challenges.
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π« Fonts that are too light or have low contrast can be difficult to read, potentially excluding learners who require clearer, more accessible design.
Canva and PowerPoint both offer accessibility checkers, which make it quick and easy to identify possible issues with font or color.
Finally, if you are looking for a few more examples of font selection and correct text spacing, check out another article by my friend Dr. Echo Rivera about using text strategically to highlight points and improve recall - rather than a dumping ground for your notes.
Hopefully these tips will help you make font selection with confidence the next time you are designing a slide deck! Next week, we will review using color and contrast. See you then!
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