How can you improve slide readability and accessibility?

Along with the usual points (keep it to one idea/thought, no more than 20 words on a slide) that come up I do this: Step back - way back, physically. Open your presentation on your laptop or computer screen and pull up your busiest slide then start taking big steps backwards away from the screen. Notice how far you can get before you start to have to really look at the screen and read the slide. Now, measure that distance. If the distance at which you felt like it was getting hard to read the screen is fewer feet than your screen is in inches (diagonally), than your slides are too small/busy. Example, my 13" macbook - I should be able to read the slide 14 feet from my screen - if not, I'm making the words too small. Better: just use images

I have found that sticking to a consistent set of fonts, sizes, and colors (ideally 2/3 max) makes it easier to see, understand, and communicate the information. I would avoid small fonts at all costs - remember this is a presentation and less of a document.

When it comes to slide readability and accessibility, you'll want to make sure that everyone - including those in the back of the room - can clearly see what's on each slide. Here's some tips to keep in mind: Contrast: Use high-contrast color combinations, like black text on a white background or vice versa. Font Choices: Opt for sans-serif fonts like Arial or Calibri. They're easier to read on screens. Font Size: Use a large font size, generally no smaller than 30 points for body text and larger for headings. Consistency: Use the same fonts throughout your presentation, and ideally no more than 2 - 3 different fonts that are consistently used (i.e. same font and size for slide titles, headlines, body text, etc.)

When you have slides that need a call to action or a decision, ensure that this is contrasted with the rest of the slide format. For example, it could be a contrasting banner in the lower third of the slide with text that communicates the call to action.

Ideally, you'll make one point per slide - which means not using (or limiting) bulleted lists, large blocks of text, etc. Instead, use one image to make a point, or one phrase or sentence on the slide, so there is a large contrast, and the audience will focus on you as the speaker to flesh out the detail, or tell a story related to the point. Having more slides that are simple is better than few slides with tons of words that can't be read, or that take the audience's focus away from what you're saying, so they can read your slides.

One crucial mistake I have seen several times is using presentation slides as a lengthy document for detailed reading. There is nothing wrong with using a presentation tool (e.g. PowerPoint) to document a project or create a report instead of a word processor (e.g. MS Word); however, if you are presenting to an audience, you must adapt the content. Everything you add to a presentation should be easy to see and identify and not draw attention from you. Avoid graphics with tiny details no one can see and too many words that require minutes to read. Use slides to guide you in delivering your message, and send handouts with more detailed information as necessary.

Things like alt text and using colors that allows for easy reading especially for those who are color blind is essential. Include detailed descriptions of charts and graphs and consider offering a worksheet or session transcription to make your presentation truly accessible.

I often use a tool like Grammarly to see if I can optimize the language used to make it more concise. Real estate on a slide is precious, so I constantly look for opportunities to reduce the word count.