Is Your PowerPoint Presentation Ready for the Colorblind?

Technical professionals cannot afford to lose the 10 to 25% of senior management with visual and hearing impairments.

The title is an extreme attention-grabber, but the point is your PowerPoint presentation should be accessible to those with visual and hearing impairments. In fact, 10 to 25 percent of all senior management teams have some trouble seeing or hearing. Few of us can afford to lose that many potential supporters.

Addressing the 3 Biggest Oversights

There are a couple dozen items in your PowerPoint presentation that need to be checked for accessibility. Here are the top three, in one tip.

Turn Off the Color to Check For Contrast

Go to ‘View|Greyscale’ and turn off the default color button. See how your background colors, fonts, and visuals contrast. Make the necessary adjustments to maintain sharp visual distinctions.

Check for Alternative Text

All visuals and tables should have alternative text for use by assistive devices. Go to ‘Review|Check Accessibility|Alt Text’ and add any missing alternative test. If nothing else, simply state the central message of the visual or table.

Check for Headings and Subheadings

Go to ‘Review|Check Accessibility|Reading Order.’  First, make sure you are using headings and subheadings. Second, make sure the nesting is correct so that assistive devices can properly convey the desired reading order.

The FINESSE Accessibility Checklist

Visit the Tackle Shop or attend one of the CWF trainings to get a copy of the FINESSE Accessibility Checklist©. It outlines key accessibility issues and provides 3 to 5 aspects to make sure you get things right.

Accessibility Improves Your Work for All

Remember, the things you do to make your presentation and reports more accessible to people with impairments make your work more understandable to all!

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 Founded by JD Solomon, Communicating with FINESSE is the community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Learn more about our publications, webinars, and workshops. Join the community for free.