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Did you know that every person perceives colors differently? The color of the chair that you see in front of you might not be the same color that your friend sees. For some, the color blue arises the emotions of tranquility and serenity, while in others it may invoke feelings of depression and isolation. Cyanophobic people are terrorized at the very sight of blue color. This is how immensely mysterious is the world of colors! And that is why it is so significant to pay attention while choosing the color palette for virtual presentation, where visuals are very much the only instrument to be effectual.

Virtual presentations are presented over video conference call when the attendees cannot meet up in real. Given the circumstances, it is mandatory to observe social distancing to curb the widespread of novel corona virus. Since you know that your subconscious associates certain emotions with certain colors, you can use this fact to enhance the overall appeal of your virtual presentation. So let’s dive into the basics of choosing a color palette for your next presentation:

Try to understand the audience

Before giving any presentation, you must know the kind of audience you are dealing with. It includes their age group, class, gender, cultural preferences, financial status, and so on. For instance, if your target audience comprises kids, colors like orange and green that stand for warmth, fun, and growth are recommended. Ever wondered why major fast-food chains mostly use yellow and red color in their logos? This is because the combination of these two colors is known to stimulate hunger.

However, in the case of corporate presentations, you might have to correspond to the brand guidelines. If your brand follows a particular color theme, you need to inculcate that in your presentation. In such a scenario, customizing it according to the audience is irrelevant.

Contrasting is imperative

In the color palette for virtual presentation, contrast holds great importance. How to create contrast in presentations? The classical light and dark method is the easiest way to do so. If you are using a light color for texts, graphics, and icons, then use dark color for the background and vice-versa.

The other viable method is to use the combination of warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) and cool colors (blues, greens, violets). The colors that appear opposite to each other on Isaac Newton’s color wheel are complementing colors. They are ideal to be paired with one another to form a decent contrasting effect.

Word of caution: Avoid using solely white and black colors. According to psychologists, human beings tend to remember the information presented in color better than that presented in black-and-white combination.

Use tints, tones, and shades instead of pure hues

You all must have read about primary, secondary, and tertiary colors in high school. Generally, primary colors are called pure hues, but in the context of the level of saturation, secondary and tertiary colors can also be considered pure hues. In other words, they are all highly saturated and vivid colors. Now, there are three magic colors that are mixed with pure hues to obtain composite colors.

• Tints:

Tint is acquired by adding white to the pure hue. For obvious reasons, it is lighter than the pure hue.

• Tones:

The color grey is added to a pure hue in order to get a tone. Tones are generally less saturated and lustrous than the pure hue.

• Shades:

Shades are obtained when a pure hue is mixed with black. Adding black gives them a darker and shadier look.

Tints, tones, and shades are used instead of saturated colors as they are easy on the eyes. In the last two-three years, pastel colors have been in vogue. (Pastel colors are the more diluted form of tints in which a considerable amount of white is added to get a pale and subtle pigmentation).

Additional tip: Some people are color deficient, i.e., they are unable to distinguish one shade from the other. Most commonly, the shades of red and green are difficult for them to decipher. So avoid using them together.

Play safe with Monochromes

You can form a color palette for virtual presentation using tints, tones and shades of the same hue. Monochromes provide uniformity to the slide; it looks like there enough space on the screen. If you don’t want to experiment, monochromes can be your go-to option. The best part about monochromes is that details can be accentuated effortlessly. Minimalist color scheme expresses sheer elegance.

Determine the kind of emotion you want to stir up

Suppose you are having a bad day. You take one stroll in a garden made of artificial plants and vines. You will instantly feel better. How could this be possible when the garden is not even natural? The reason is that our brain has associated peace with the color green. Similarly, if you manage to stir up the right kind of emotion in the audience using an appropriate color scheme, you win. If you want to evoke fear, use red. Green could also help cause disgust. For kindling hope, yellow is the most fitting

That famous 60-30-10 rule

Interior designers have been using the 60-30-10 rule while choosing perfect color schemes. Lately, this rule has taken root in the presentation industry as well. Ideally, three pigments should be used in a slide. The main color should take up 60 percent of the total space (in the background) of the slide. 30 percent of this space must be covered by the secondary color that comprises shapes and texts. The rest 10 percent is to be filled by the accent color which is used for the intricate elements.

Nonetheless, selecting a perfect color palette could be a hard nut to crack. Several tools can assist you in the process. Adobe Color CC, Color Scheme Designer, Paletton, and DeGraeve are some such tools. Wassily Kandinsky once said, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” Keeping that in mind, use your presentation to transform people, influence their decisions and broaden their vision.