Subtleties get lost in presentation graphics. Type style and weight changes should be obvious. With some type families, you will have to pick font weights that are more than one level away from one another—book and bold, rather than book and medium—to achieve a strong typographic contrast.

Font style changes should also be obvious. The rule of not combining two different sans-serif designs especially holds true in presentation graphics. (See slides and type samples, I.) And, as far as serif typefaces are concerned, the subtleties of mixing old style designs with transitionals disappear in presentations. Unless it runs counter to your organization’s style, stick with the basic rule: Mix sans-serif typefaces with serif designs. If you want to combine two serif styles, make them as obviously different from each other as possible—ITC Berkeley Oldstyle with Sutro Heavy, for example.

Use colors that complement and are distinct from each other. Generally, dark colors work well for backgrounds and warm, bright colors for type. (But be careful: Certain combinations, like red type on a black background, can be as tricky in presentations as they are in print.) Avoid cool colors, like light blue and green, which tend to reduce the vitality of your visuals. (See J.)

Last slide

Designing for slides can be as demanding as any medium you’ll run up against, and it can also be just as rewarding. Rarely can you witness such instantaneous approval, reward, and validation of your efforts as when an audience breaks into applause. Presentation graphics can truly leave lasting impressions.