How Can You Make Your Data Visualization Tools More Effective In a Strategy Presentation?

Although I have built dozens (if not hundreds) of strategic presentations in my career, it took me some time to understand the importance of visualization in conveying messages. Here are 6 important points to think about to enhance your data visualization tools (and one awesome tool recommendation at the end):

1. Storytelling: Without the larger picture, examples, patterns, and context, your data visualization is worthless. Make sure the data visual has to support your story and STRENGTHEN it.

2. Adjust your visualizations to your target audience: I'm choosing different data visualization tools and options according to the level of seniority of those present, the profession, and the level of my closeness to them (to even consider "data jokes" here and there).

3. Clarity and simplicity: If it takes more than two seconds for readers to understand what you want them to see, START OVER!

4. Color and consistency: Use a consistent color scheme to maintain visual coherence. Ensure that colors are meaningful and easily distinguishable. Avoid using too many colors, as it can create confusion and make you look like an amateur!

5. Choose the appropriate visual aid: a bar, graph, or pie chart, each of them will highlight your point differently, and more importantly - If you choose the incorrect visual aid, your audience may get the entire message incorrectly.

6. Maintain your data visualization ALIVE: updating it in response to expert advice, actions made by rivals, and any other modifications. We live in a dynamic business environment - keep both your story and your data forever FRESH!

And my tip of the day: I recommend this infographic tool, which I use to support my strategic presentations: https://infograph.venngage.com/infographics