Jeff McRitchie

The Effective Use of Colors in Your Presentation Materials

Matisse, the master of color, put a high value on its power of persuasion. Color is perhaps the most overlooked, but potentially effective factor in almost any presentation, and its proper use can transform a ho-hum collection of information into an engaging and transforming piece of communication. Art and the proper use of color are in the eye of the beholder. There are, however, some rules that if followed correctly, are usually the best way to go when it comes to this subjective area. Here are 3 major guidelines to keep in mind.

Matisse, the master of color, put a high value on its power of persuasion. Color is perhaps the most overlooked, but potentially effective factor in almost any presentation, and its proper use can transform a ho-hum collection of information into an engaging and transforming piece of communication. You just need to how to best use color to enhance, rather than distract from, your message.

Art and the proper use of color are in the eye of the beholder. There are, however, some rules that if followed correctly, are usually the best way to go when it comes to this subjective area. Here are 3 major guidelines to keep in mind:

1)Moderation:

Color does not add a pleasant quality to design - it reinforces it. - Pierre Bonnard

Color in a presentation should be used in moderation. One background color used in an entire presentation for example, or a touch of color in the binding or even the laminate used as part of a presentation can give it a punch, without knocking the audience out!

2)Clarity:

Color is for me the purest form of expression, the purest abstract reality. - Jim Hodges

Always use colors based on their ability to make things more, rather than less, clear. Legibility of any presentation is key, so make sure your use of color and text work together to ensure the presentation is easily read and understood. Objects could appear to fade, or change size if paired with certain colors, so choose the correct foreground and background colors for maximum effect.

3)Consistency:

Color in certain places has the great value of making outlines and structures seem more energetic. - Antonio Gaudi

Using a complimentary palette in the right places, in a consistent and repetitive way, is the best method to achieve maximum impact. Rather than using color as decoration only, use it to pointedly highlight or emphasize the information you wish your audience to focus on. Do this consistently, and you are on the path to the most effective color usage.

Knowing how to use color in given situations is a process. It is certainly something that requires a bit of trial and error. The same can be said about using color in the finishing process of your presentation or document. There are so many options today, that you really have some excellent choices to give your communication materials the emphasis they deserve. The following are two great examples:

Color Binding Materials: You can get the most out of your proposals or presentations by making them stand out. Using color binding combs or color tabs is more affordable than you may imagine, and it gives you the customized look that will bring your ideas to the top.

Color Laminating Pouches: In the proper circumstance, using a color-laminating pouch can make your presentation cover or content the star of the show. You want to catch the attention of your audience and this method is a unique and memorable way to do so!

Color is one of the things that make life and work interesting. There are many ways to use color to get the most from your method of communication, so don't forget the color, get ready for success - and remember: Color is born of the interpenetration of light and dark. - Sam Francis

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

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