Whether it is a board presentation or a yearly budget meeting with finance officers, a chart is usually present and is the most common form of tool used to convey information to other people. Ranging from the simplest bar chart to the more complex stacked mountain charts, they are all used to help bring the data clear and straight to their target. Here are several reasons why various chart types are commonly utilized by presenters.

When it comes to attending board meetings or presentations, we can’t help but feel bored and unresponsive with the various numerical figures appearing in front of us. That is why by using charts, presenters can have an easier time presenting information and sending the message across to the board members. Various shapes, colours and sizes make charts visually attractive and interesting to viewers and listeners. Not all members are keen on looking at calculations, tabulations and percentages but many would rather appreciate a bar chart that shows the total amount of buyers for a product over a period of time.

Another reason why it is more effective to use a chart is because of the emphasis and the sense of importance it gives to listeners. By concentrating on the key elements of the reports and highlighting it through the use of charts, viewers can visually absorb and understand the gravity of the report faster and easier. A scatter chart would have more visual impact than a written report of data findings why employees are most likely absent on a particular day of the week.

Lastly, the simplicity and ease of understanding the charts and graphs makes it easier to bring the message across the members. The charts remove other irrelevant data and focus only in bringing the vital aspects to the spotlight. It is a simple technique that if used correctly becomes effective and creates an impact that can boost results.

However, using charts has their drawbacks as well. They lack the precision and accuracy that written reports provide. Written reports show the exact figures and amounts down to the last decimals that are usually disregarded in chart making.

Since most of the viewers are stockholders or important members of the company, it is essential to present data and information using clean, clear and precise tools and technique. By using a toolkit such as the WPF charts or Silverlight charts, presenters can show quality and professional work.