Colour: text, shading and graphics

• Colour attracts and holds the readers’ attention.
  
  Most engaging: four-colour documents are the most reader-friendly.
  
  Less engaging: One or two colours, (For example: many shades of blue and black).
  
  Least engaging: Black and white.
• Coloured text can be used to highlight headings.
• Black text may be shaded to attract attention to important information.
• Dark text is difficult to read on a dark-coloured background. Example: Here is an example of this
  
  Also, it does not photocopy well. Dark text on a light background works best.

Graphics: charts, diagrams and pictures

• Use graphics to engage the reader and emphasize the message.
• Graphics must not overwhelm the text.
• Graphics should relate to the text and may be decorative.
• Pictures of faces attract readers best.
• Some people find that charts and diagrams convey information in an immediate way and are easiest to understand.
• Essential information in a chart or diagram should also be summarized in the text.
• Mel says, “Pamphlets produced with the help of professional graphic designers can look very polished, but occasionally seem a little too fancy to the audience.”