Consider Subjective Interpretations of Color
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Colors can evoke distinct associations for people, so take care not to summon an unintended meaning or mood. For example, for financial managers, blue signifies cooperation and reliability; for health-care professionals, however, it signifies death. Control engineers see red and think danger, whereas a financial manager will think unprofitability, and a health-care professional, health.
Consider, too, that the meanings associated with certain colors may differ across cultures. Western societies don black for funerals, while the Chinese use white. If you are presenting in a cross-cultural context, check the meanings of colors for the relevant countries.
Checklist: Apply the Principles of Simplicity and Continuity
Concentrate on presenting one major idea per visual aid.
Apply design decisions consistently to each aid.
Use type that is large enough for audience members to read comfortably.
Use color to highlight key ideas and enhance readability.
Check that colors contrast rather than clash.