Although there is always much discussion about the correct layout and indentation for text preceding bullet points, there is less debate on where and how many bullet points should be used within text. Bullets can be used when a list of items is unordered (that is, the list could be reordered without losing the sense); or where order is significant, when a numbered list is preferred. The rules are simple - use them where and when you want. Bullets are now an intrinsic part of any PowerPoint slide design, but these little symbols have been overlooked when it comes to their proper place in Word documents.

A bullet is a typographical symbol used to begin a short, descriptive phrase or list. Prior to the widespread use of word processors, bullets were often denoted by asterisks (*), and many word processors automatically convert asterisks to bullets if used at the start of line. Today, we don't have to be limited to a few designs. The bullet symbol can be circular, square, diamond, arrow, etc.

Bullets were most often used in technical writing or text containing multiple references, but they are now more common in PowerPoint presentations as a means of reinforcing key topics and discussion points. It is rare, indeed, not to see at least one slide punctuated with bullets points in a presentation.

Even given the popularity of bullet points in presentations, it's interesting to know that one of the most frequently asked questions is how to use bullets correctly in a Word document?

Bullet points are great for highlighting a step-by-step process, or displaying multiple points about any given topic. Creating a point-by-point system while using bullet points within your article looks great, and ensures the Information is set out with clarity and brevity.

There are a few obvious reasons for using bullets points: they stand out from the rest of the text; it's an easy way to display step-by-step processes; and bullets can show a list of information, such as web sites where reference material needs to be located at a glance.

There are, obviously, a few occasions not to use bullets: don't use bullet points for each paragraph within your article as this tends to look bad and has no real purpose. Don't use bullet points for displaying images. Don't over-use bullet points again and again; it may deter anyone from reading your article.

There are no set rules to the use of full stops, upper case, semi-colons, etc when using bullets; as long as each bullet is consistent within its own set, and that you follow any house-style specified by your organisation. For example, you could begin each bullet with a capital letter, but do not have to end each with a full stop; you might have a semi-colon at the end of each bullet and insert 'and' before the final point. It's correct to terminate a bullet point with a full stop if the text under that bullet point consists of more than one sentence. Likewise, it's not correct to close a bullet point with a full stop if it starts with a lower case letter.

You should start each bullet point with either a verb or a noun - a verb is more action oriented and is usually preferred. Always use the same tense for each verb - the most common is the present tense with the past tense being the next preferred tense.

Once you have decided on where you are going to insert your bullet points, you can now think about how you would like them to look.

When using Word 2010, you can quickly add bullets or numbers to existing lines of text, or Word can automatically create lists as you type. By default, if you start a paragraph with an asterisk or a number such as 1., Word recognises that you are trying to start a bulleted or numbered list. If you don't want your text turned into a list, you can click the AutoCorrect Options button to turn off.

When you create a bulleted or numbered list, you can use the convenient Bullet and Numbering libraries, and you can also format bullets or numbers differently from the text in a list. For example, click a number and you can change the number colour for the entire list, without making changes to the text in the list.

Word can automatically create bulleted and numbered lists as you type, or you can quickly add bullets or numbers to existing lines of text. To add bullets or numbering to a list, select the items that you want to add bullets or numbering to. Then on the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click Bullets or Numbering.

You will find different bullet styles and numbering formats by clicking the arrow next to Bullets or Numbering on the Home tab, in the Paragraph group. You can move an entire list to the left or the right. Click a bullet or number in the list, and drag it to a new location. The entire list moves as you drag. The numbering levels do not change.

You can also create your own bullet point styles in Word. For a really individual look you can create a bespoke bullet style by using a picture or logo from one of your own files. So, next time you want to use bullets in your Word document, just remember- it's as easy as A, B C or even 1, 2, 3 or logo, logo, logo ...