6.4.2 Presentation suggestions

Keep it 

simple

 (as already stated) and focus on one concept/message.

Keep the 

number and types of fonts

 simple (just because you have a bamboo font

does not mean it should be used!)  Keep a similar font style throughout a document.

There should be a size hierarchy of fonts.  Titles should be bigger than labels and

legend, which should be bigger than the source.  The choice of fonts should enhance

the document and not distract the reader.

The selection between 

color and black/white patterns

 depends on a number of

issues.  First, there is an issue of resources that are available for publication. Color is

more expensive and depending on the color selection often does not photocopy

well.  Second, how many copies are required?  If there are only a few copies

required, maybe making color presentations is not a problem.   Finally, who is the

intended audience? One suggestion is a combination of color and shading which will

present well in color, but will still be clear when photocopied or printed in black and

white.

Appropriate size on page

 is also an important issue to consider.  Not all graphics

require a full page to present them in a useful way, especially if there is little detail

and the graphic illustrates a clear message.  The size depends also on the purpose.  A

small graphic may be appropriate for a document, but a full page graphic is always

useful for an overhead in an oral presentation.

Clear titles, labels, and source

 are essential.  This information should be clear

enough to inform the reader the issue presented in the graphic even if the

accompanying text is missing.

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