Chartsplaining in Data Visualization

Repeating what a chart shows without adding any insight to the conversation is a poor effort to help a chart to be understood by the audience.

"Chartsplaining" A term I coined that summarizes the bad practice of just telling what a chart already shows, without adding insights or anything new to your presentation.

1. Why Great Data Fails in Bad Presentations

Even the most compelling data can fall flat when presented poorly. A chart filled with valuable insights loses its impact if it's not communicated effectively. Presentations that fail to interpret or explain the data miss the opportunity to engage the audience and drive meaningful conclusions. This common issue, referred to as "Chartsplaining," by myself involves simply reading off what the chart shows without providing a deeper analysis or context. This practice diminishes the value of the data and fails to enlighten or inspire the audience.

2. Narrating a Chart Does Not Make Your Presentation Game Better

Simply describing a chart to your audience is akin to narrating the obvious. When presenters fall into the trap of chartsplaining, they miss the chance to offer unique perspectives and valuable insights. Audiences can see the data points, trends, and patterns themselves; what they need is an expert's interpretation. Without this, the presentation becomes monotonous and fails to leverage the presenter's expertise. Effective presentations go beyond the obvious, delivering nuanced understanding and actionable takeaways.

Below is a good example of how you can raise your insight game by adding labels to interesting sectors of the chart and closing the idea with powerful insight.

3. How to Add Context, Insights, and Recommendations to Straightforward Charts or KPIs

To elevate a presentation, it's crucial to provide context, insights, and actionable recommendations. Here’s how:

• Context: Explain the background of the data. What time period does it cover? What external factors might influence the data? Providing context helps the audience understand the significance of the data.
• Insights: Analyze the data to uncover trends, patterns, or anomalies. What story does the data tell? How does it compare to past performance or industry benchmarks?
• Recommendations: Based on the insights, suggest actionable steps. What should the audience do next? How can they leverage the data to make informed decisions?

By incorporating these elements, presenters can transform a simple chart into a powerful narrative.

4. Other Bad Practices That Make Data Visualization Boring

In addition to Chartsplaining, several other practices can make data visualization dull and ineffective:

• Overloading with Data: Too much information can overwhelm the audience. Focus on key metrics and keep it simple.
• Poor Design Choices: Using confusing or cluttered visuals can detract from the data's message. Opt for clean, easy-to-read charts.
• Lack of Narrative Flow: A presentation should tell a coherent story. Jumping from one data point to another without a clear narrative can confuse the audience.
• Ignoring the Audience: Tailor your presentation to your audience's knowledge level and interests. What’s obvious to you might not be to them.

The previous chart shows how you can easily choose the right data visualization and ruin its functional purpose (Improve clarity) by overusing elements, reducing legibility, and lean too much into the artsy aesthetic rather than the message at hand.

5. Tips on How to Practice Data Presentation

Improving your data presentation skills requires practice and reflection. Here are some tips:

• Rehearse Your Presentation: Practice delivering your insights and recommendations aloud. This will help you refine your message and improve your confidence.
• Seek Feedback: Present to a colleague or mentor and ask for constructive criticism.
• Watch Experts: Study presentations by data visualization experts to learn new techniques and styles.
• Simplify Your Visuals: Strive for clarity and simplicity in your charts and graphs.
• Engage Your Audience: Ask questions and encourage interaction to keep your audience engaged.

6. Examples of Good Insights Around the 2024 US Elections Based on Data

To illustrate the power of effective data presentation, let’s consider the 2024 US elections. Suppose you have a chart showing voter turnout by age group. Instead of merely stating the obvious—that younger voters have lower turnout—provide context and insights:

• Context: Compare turnout rates to previous elections. Highlight any significant changes or trends.
• Insights: Analyze why younger voters are less engaged. Are there barriers to voting that disproportionately affect this group?
• Recommendations: Suggest strategies to increase young voter turnout, such as targeted outreach or education campaigns.

By adding these elements, you turn a simple chart into a compelling story that can influence decision-making and drive action.

7. Closing Thoughts

Chartsplaining is a common pitfall that undermines the potential of data presentations. To avoid this, presenters must go beyond merely stating what is already visible in the chart. By providing context, insights, and actionable recommendations, they can transform their presentations into engaging, informative, and impactful narratives. Effective data presentation requires practice and a focus on the audience's needs, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

8. Recommended Readings and Sources

• Knaflic, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic . Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals. Wiley, 2015. storytelling with data
• Duarte, Nancy. The Data Story: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story. Ideapress Publishing, 2019.
• Kirk, Andy. Data Visualization: A Handbook for Data Driven Design. Sage Publications Ltd, 2016.
• McCandless, David. Information is Beautiful. HarperCollins, 2009.