Charts and Data

Choosing the right chart (pie vs. bar graph)

The presentation of numerical data is one of the most common areas where design mistakes are made.

It is not enough to insert just any chart; choose the format that best communicates the story behind the numbers.

For example, if the objective is to show the percentage composition of a whole (such as the distribution of the family budget), the pie chart is the ideal choice, as it allows you to visualize the relative proportions at a glance.

However, if the intention is to compare performance between different departments or to show a temporal evolution (growth or decline), the bar or column chart is superior.

Using icons or human figures to represent percentages may be aesthetically pleasing, but often makes it difficult to compare data accurately if not designed carefully.

The speaker should make sure the graph speaks for itself; if it requires complex explanation to understand which axis represents which variable, the design has failed.

How to present statistics without boring

Excel tables pasted directly into a presentation are generally unreadable and tedious.

To present statistics without losing the audience's attention, it is necessary to simplify and "clean up" the visual information.

Unnecessary grid lines, redundant legends and secondary data that do not contribute to the main conclusion should be eliminated.

If there is a key figure, it should be highlighted with a larger size or contrasting color, guiding the viewer's eye to what really matters.

If the information is too dense or detailed to be simplified on a screen (such as a complete financial statement), the right strategy is not to force it into the PowerPoint, but to deliver it in a printed or digital document at the end of the session.

This way, the screen is reserved for general trends an