page_52 < previous page page_52 next page > Page 52 3 Repeat Column Headings If a table breaks and runs onto more than one page, you must repeat the column headings. Don't expect the reader to remember what each column is, or to flip from page to page to find out. If at all possible, you should also incorporate references to indicate what units are being used both in the heading and with the first entry in the column. In other words, use the dollar sign or percent sign in the heading and with the first line of the column beneath it. If the table runs over to a second page or more, be sure to carry over these references. 4 Keep Columns Close Together When you plan tables with columns of figures or words, place the columns as close together as possible, not spread out to fill the page's width. The most difficult task for the reader of a table is to read from one column to another without getting lost. Anything to reduce eye travel between columns will help. Reduce the space between columns of figures to make charts easier to read. Quite likely the reader's eye will get lost as it travels from the state name to the sales figure in this chart. 5 Avoid Leaders Leaders are the rows of dots designed to lead the eye from one column in a table to another. But there is nothing beautiful about a line of leaders. In fact they're ugly, so avoid them when you can. For example, many times the design of a table of contents can eliminate leaders. How? One way is to simply set the words flush left, followed by a comma (or space), then the page number. Thus: 7. When leaders really lead, 107. Easy, neat, cost saving. If you must use leaders, opt for open leaders (ones with more space between dots), preferably aligned from top to bottom.  < previous page page_52 next page >