What font characteristics should be used in presentations?

• A. Use small, decorative fonts to save space
• B. Avoid bold text in slides
• C. Use narrow letter spacing for compactness
• D. Use large text and easy-to-read fonts

Answer: (D)

Readable text is the priority in presentations; audiences should be able to read what you’re showing at a glance, even from the back of the room or a small screen. Large text makes that possible and reduces the cognitive load as you speak.

Use easy-to-read fonts, typically sans-serif like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, because they render cleanly on screens and projectors. Decorative or script fonts look stylish but slow reading and can become illegible when projected, especially at smaller sizes or from a distance. Keep text bold only for emphasis, not to compensate for poor font choice or small size. Narrow letter spacing can crowd the words and hinder readability, so stick with normal or slightly expanded spacing to improve clarity.

In practice, pick fonts that are simple and clear, set body text in a size that is comfortably readable from the room’s back row (often in the mid-20s to 30s points, with headings larger), and maintain high contrast between text and background. This approach ensures your message comes through without forcing the audience to strain to read.