Preparing Effective Charts and Graphs: A Tutorial by Mike Markel

	SECTION 2: Designing Effective Charts and Graphs
	To communicate information visually so your readers notice, understand, and remember your point, a graphic must be clear, understandable, and meaningfully related to the larger discussion.

	HOME: Introduction to this tutorial

	1. Overview of the Process

Analyze Your Audience and Purpose Understand the Limitations of Spreadsheet Programs Enter Data into a Spreadsheet Program Select Data to Include in a Graphic Choose the Appropriate Kind of Graphic Customize the Graphic for Your Audience and Purpose Select Where to Place the Graphic in the Spreadsheet Insert the Graphic into a Word-Processing or Presentation Program Integrate the Graphic and the Text

	2. Designing Effective Charts & Graphs

Make Sure Your Graphic Has a Purpose Aim for Simplicity Be Honest Present a Manageable Amount of Information Follow Common Conventions for Graphics Label Your Graphic

	3. Sample Graphics for Analysis

Pie Chart Gantt Chart 100-Percent Horizontal Bar Graph Vertical Bar Graph Line Graph