D: Using Diagrams, Charts & Graphs Rules for Developing Projected Messages

D1. Diagrams and charts should be used to concisely communicate the relationship between related variables, especially variables that have numeric data presented in tables…

D2. BUT concrete ideas might end up too abstract when presented in graphic form:

D3. Attention should be drawn to captions

Notice how bolded, larger text is used to draw attention to the captions in the left chart.

D4. The relative importance of elements should be represented by relative sizes in the diagram, thicker lines for stronger relationships, etc.

D5. Graphs depicting more precise amounts should utilize a Cartesian graph (x and y axis)

D6. Graphs depicting comparative amounts where precision is not important may utilize pie charts

D7. Trends should generally be illustrated by line graphs

D8. Comparisons may be illustrated by bar graphs or pie charts

Other good bar chart examples follow:

D9. Because chart labels are often presented in smaller font, it is usually best to place graphs and charts on individual slides with completely white backgrounds.

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