Beginner level · Module 4: Communicating Insights · Lesson 3 of 3
Visuals for Decisions
Choose and design charts that make the message obvious.
In this lesson you will
- Choose charts that support a decision
- Design charts with finding-based titles and highlights
Key concepts
chart choicehighlightingfinding titlestarget lines
The lesson
Use the chart that makes the comparison easiest: bars for comparing units against target, lines for trends.
Highlight what matters — the branch below target in colour, the rest in grey — and add target lines for reference.
Title the chart with the finding, and remove anything that does not help the reader decide.
Step by step
- Chart branches against target.
- Highlight the branch to discuss.
- Add a target line.
- Rewrite the title as a finding.
Practice activity
Create the two visuals for the performance review and give the briefing.
Expected result: Clear visuals and a confident three-minute briefing.
Check your understanding
-
How can a chart highlight what matters?
Show answer
Use colour for the key item and grey for the rest.
-
What does a target line add?
Show answer
A reference that makes performance against target obvious.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.