Avoid headache-inducing color in financial tables

From bombardier Inc.'s investor presentation -- December 10, 2009

Financial data is hard enough to analyze and comprehend without any visual distractions. And while preparers of financial communication think they are highlighting/enhancing data by making it more colorful, they’re really just upping the distraction level.

An example of the jarring effect of color on financial data can be seen in a recent investor presentation from Bombardier, a Canadian aerospace company with a good growth story but in need of some help in visually telling it.

Presentation tip: Avoid “shouting” in color

From McDonald's 2009 Investor Meeting - November 12, 2009

You know how “all caps” (all capital letters) in email is considered “shouting,” not to mention poor email etiquette? A heavy hand with primary colors in Powerpoint, slide after slide, has a similar grating effect. McDonald’s has a nice, tight presentation for their 2009 Investor Conference, but their loud scheme of big blocks of primary colors on a solid black background is hard on the eyes and distracting to the content of the presentation.

Presentation tip: Don’t go crazy with gradients

from Goldman Sachs investor Presentation - November 10, 2009

When the Microsoft Office Suite came out with gradient color capabilities (particularly in Powerpoint and Excel), the communication of business information took a turn for the worse. Gradients, when selectively used, are excellent at highlighting key information, adding subtle visual interest, and making overall presentations appear more professional. However, when gradients are used with a heavy hand (which has become increasingly prevalent), the results impede the communication of business information as can be seen in these slides from a recent Goldman Sachs presentation.