There are loads of graph types available. But which to use? Which actually help you explain an insight clearly to an audience?
In this episode, Kate and Thomas look at the graph types that are particularly good for explaining data, along with some of the common alternatives we frequently see that aren't always best suited to the job. It’s first step of the StoryChart process: Choose Your Chart.
Rather than relying on rules like "bar charts are good" or "pie charts are bad", we start with a more useful question: what job does this chart need to do? That often means choosing something much simpler than you might expect.
And this really is one of our favourite topics to talk about. And for those watching, we have visual props from our corporate workshops!
What You'll Learn:
• What makes a good chart – rules, criteria and purpose.
• The difference between graphs used to explore data and those used to explain an insight.
• The three tests for a good explain chart.
• The big debate – are pie charts good or bad?
• Why many charts can make an audience work too hard and make them tune out.
• Why a technically accurate chart can still be a poor communication tool
• Why clarity should win over complexity and cleverness
• Exactly which charts to aim for when creating your data story!
Download the Summary Sheet:
We've put together a summary of the graph types discussed in this episode, including which ones to use when explaining your data, and when and why to use them.
Resources:
• Influential Analyst Academy: https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/iaa/
• Email us: podcast@presentationboss.com.au
• The Presentation Boss Podcast: https://www.presentationboss.com.au/podcast
• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling
• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au
