Mastering Table Design in PowerPoint
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Introduction: Transforming Tables — From Cluttered to Compelling
Presentations aren’t just about dazzling visuals or sharing data—they’re about making information accessible, memorable, and actionable. In his insightful Present to Succeed session, Nolan Haims, a leader in data visualisation and accessible design, challenges us to rethink how we use tables in PowerPoint. He reveals a practical, step-by-step approach to turning tables from a source of confusion into a tool for clarity and impact.
Why Table Design Matters (and Why Most Tables Fail)
Nolan’s journey as a presentation designer has shown him that tables are often the most neglected element on a slide. While charts get all the attention, tables are left cluttered, hard to read, and visually overwhelming. Why do so many tables fall flat, while others help audiences instantly grasp the story? For Nolan, it’s about intentional design—removing clutter, focusing on what matters, and always thinking about the audience’s experience. If you want your message to stick, you need to make your data glanceable and your tables approachable.
The 12 Steps to Better Tables
Nolan’s session centers on a practical checklist—12 actionable steps that can transform any table, whether it’s for a printed report or an on-screen presentation. Here’s how he breaks them down:
Choose the Right Table Type
PowerPoint tables are easy to use, but Excel tables offer more power—conditional formatting, data bars, and dynamic updates. Know when to use each, and how to embed Excel tables for maximum flexibility.
Ditch the Color
Avoid using heavy colors for decoration. Use color only for emphasis or highlighting, not as a default.
Remove Gridlines
Thick gridlines create clutter. Minimise or eliminate them to let your data breathe.
Use White Space
Increase vertical space between rows. White space improves readability and helps guide the eye.
Subtle Shading
If you need to shade rows, use a light touch. Subtle differences are enough to help the eye track across the table.
Smart Dividers
If you need dividers, use thin, grey lines every few rows—never default to heavy borders.
Align Text and Numbers
Left-align text, right-align numbers. This creates order and makes comparisons easier.
Round Numbers Where Possible
Remove unnecessary decimal places. Only show detail when it matters.
Avoid Repeating Units
Don’t repeat dollar signs or percent symbols in every cell. One is enough.
Highlight Outliers and Leaders
Call attention to negative numbers or top performers so your audience doesn’t miss key insights.
Add Visualisations
Use data bars or small charts to make trends instantly visible—even within a table.
Sort for Clarity
Order your data to reveal the story—alphabetically, by value, or by importance.
Applying the Checklist: From Default to Designed
Nolan’s approach isn’t just for designers—it’s for anyone who wants to communicate data clearly. Whether you’re building a handout, a report, or a live presentation, these steps help you move beyond PowerPoint’s defaults. Nolan demonstrates how even small changes—like removing gridlines or rounding numbers—can make a huge difference in how your audience understands and remembers your message.
Q&A: Templates, Defaults, and Real-World Challenges
During the session’s Q&A, Nolan tackles questions about PowerPoint’s default table styles, working with templates, and empowering users to make better design choices. His advice: set the least “ugly” default you can, but always provide examples of well-designed tables for others to copy. And remember, even if you can’t control every table in your organisation, you can always strive for better in your own work.
Final Thoughts: Better Tables, Better Presentations
Nolan’s closing message is clear: tables don’t have to be boring or confusing. With a little intention and a practical checklist, anyone can design tables that are clear, attractive, and effective. If you want your presentations to stand out, start by making your data easy to read and your tables a pleasure to look at.
Join the Conversation
What’s your biggest challenge when designing tables for presentations? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!
Comments