A lot of data visualization is presented using PowerPoint. It's a common experience, you spend weeks working on a report, generate a bunch of graphs, and want (or need) to show them all off to your boss/team.
That's all fine and well, such as it is. However, people commonly fall in to several deadly traps with PowerPoint.
1. Use Less Text
It might seem obvious to some, but the easiest mistake is to put too many words on the slide! REMOVE THEM! If your slide is loaded with words, people won't be listening to you talk while they read. 50 words per slide is too many.
People can only remember a maximum of 1 idea per slide.
2. Save your graphs in high resolution
Your graph may be 3inches on your screen, but it will be 3 (or 30) feet on the wall. Make sure it is high quality!
3. Use good colors!
These colors are forbidden on a white background: lime, cyan, yellow, light orange, most greens. People cannot see them, and you will look like an idiot saying "oh gosh... you can't see this,
but if you could...". Instead, use dark colors on a light background. Red, Blue, Dark Green are your best friends
4. Make your figures big
Words come from your mouth (see point #1 above), visuals come from the slides. Let the slides do their job and present good looking big graphics! Don't hide them, show them off!
5. Constrast is King
Along with using good colors, use big and thick symbols in each graph. Make sure words have lots of contrast. Remember,
the projector will wash your figures out, make them bold!
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