Presentation design tips: 12 rules for clear slides

Content rules

1. 1. One idea per slideIf you need "and" to describe a slide, split it.
2. 2. A title that states the point"Churn fell to 2% after onboarding changed" beats "Churn". Readers skim titles first.
3. 3. Fewer words than you thinkAbout 30 words in the body of a presented slide. Your voice explains; the slide shows.
4. 4. Real numbers, with sourcesA specific figure is more persuasive than an adjective, and a source makes it trustworthy.

Text and colour

1. 5. Large typeAround 28–30 points or more for presented text; titles larger still.
2. 6. Two typefaces at mostOne for titles, one for text. Use weight and size, not new fonts, for emphasis.
3. 7. Strong contrastText needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background (3:1 for large text), the WCAG AA level. Projectors wash colours out, so aim higher.
4. 8. A small paletteTwo or three brand colours plus neutrals. Save the accent colour for the thing you want people to look at.

Charts, pictures and layout

1. 9. One chart, one messageHighlight the series that matters, grey the rest, label values directly and drop the legend if you can.
2. 10. Pictures that carry meaningOne strong image beats a collage. Decoration that says nothing is noise.
3. 11. Space and alignmentGenerous margins and a consistent grid make slides look designed. Crowding makes them look rushed.
4. 12. ConsistencyThe same title position, fonts and colours on every slide. A brand kit enforces it.

Accessible slides

• Alt text for every meaningful image and chart.
• Don't rely on colour alone to carry meaning; add labels or patterns.
• A logical reading order so screen readers present the slide in sense.
• Reduced motion for viewers who ask their system for it.