Fonts Matter

The Font You Use Matters

Between your professional careers and your personal life, you may often have to write emails or create documents. However, the question becomes what font should I use? And does the font I use matter?

To answer your questions; yes it does! While stylish fonts are great to add a creative touch to your writing, the fonts that you use can affect the way someone perceives your message.

 

Printed Text

Printed word documents should use serif text. The word “serif” originates from the Latin alphabet meaning “foot”. The reason to use serif typefaces for printed documents is because these “feet” make it easier for the reader to read. The reader is able to read a printed document written in serif text much faster and is able to retain more information, than if the text was written in san-serif text. An example of serif text includes Times New Roman.

 

Electronic Text

Printed word documents should use san-serif text. By contrast, “san-serif” means “no feet”, and thus this font does not have the small feet that the serif text has. The reason to use san-serif for electronic documents (emails, PowerPoints, word documents) is because it creates a much cleaner look for the reader. On a computer screen, it is more esthetic to use san-serif text rather than serif text. Using san-serif for electronic platforms creates faster reading and more retention for the reader. Examples of san-serif text includes Helvetica and Calibri.

 

Takeaways

Use serif text for any documents you print.

Use san-serif text for any for electronic communication.

Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world if you have used the wrong type face for the wrong form of communication. However, you have now learned that these type faces are specifically designed for different forms of communication. By mastering something as simple as what type face to use and when, in the long run, it will make you better communicator.