For the list of fonts installed on basic Microsoft Windows XP with Office XP click here.

1. Try not to use fonts smaller than 24 points.

2. No more than 3 fonts to a presentation.

3. Avoid overuse of bold, italic and especially ALL CAPITALS!

4. Keep Titles for each slide to 35-45 points and use a Title on each slide.

5. Keep titles short and to the point -avoid 2 liners.  

6. If you have created a title (or any object) on one slide that you want to use on the next slide it will look much better is it stays in exactly the same position on the slide as you transition from one to the next. The simple way to do that is to copy the title (or object) on the first slide, then paste it on the next. Remember, Keyboard Shortcuts are: Copy CRTL "C" and Paste CRTL "V".

7. Keep text descriptions on charts to an absolute minimum.

8. Generally, sans serif fonts help to maximize clarity. Serif fonts have the little 'feet' on the ends.              Serif Font   - Sans Serif Font

9. Contrast title and body text by size and color i.e. use one color and large font size for the title, smaller font and different color for body text.

10. Minimize text when using charts or graphs, using text only for labeling - graphics should speak for themselves.

11. Use italics sparingly - it makes audiences pause as they are difficult to read.  

12. Exercise: Step back about 5-6 feet from your slides on a 17" monitor. If you can read the lines clearly you are probably OK.