Design Principles for Great Slides

The "Less Is More" Rule

A slide supports you - it is not the script. Aim for one message, a few words as bullets, and one visual. If the audience must read AND listen, you have lost them.

Consistent Layout

• Same fonts everywhere: one-style family (e.g. the theme fonts).
• The same color palette repeated on every slide builds trust.
• Keep margins and box positions consistent using guides (View → Guides) and the grid.

Typography Shortcuts

• One idea per line; avoid sentences that wrap twice.
• Title = 28-40pt; body = 20-28pt; keep comfortable reading distance.
• Contrast beats decoration - black on white is the most readable base.

Visual Hierarchy

• Lead the eye: size, weight and color rank information - the headline is bigger than the bullet, the key number is colored.
• Emphasize ONE element per slide; everything else supports it.
• Use whitespace deliberately - empty space focuses attention.

Images That Help

• Use high-resolution, subject-relevant images; remove the obvious stock clichés.
• Keep backgrounds clean so text stays legible (add a subtle overlay if needed).
• Consistent image style across the deck = professional.

Checklist Before Presenting

• Spell-check (F7) and read every slide aloud once.
• Test on the actual projector/laptop, including videos and fonts.
• Rehearse timings and have a blackout shortcut ready.

Key Points

• Consistency, hierarchy and whitespace do 80% of design work.
• Design serves your words - remove anything that does not.
• Rehearse: great slides are 20% design, 80% practice.