Latest posts
Below are the most recent articles or resources I’ve published. If you are looking for help on a specific topics, it would best to look at the topics in my Articles archive as I have grouped my recent and best articles by topic there.
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FinancialViz Makeover: Comparing common elements using color and position
This makeover shows how using color and position helps the audience compare common elements in two categories or data series. Continue reading
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How to select information for a Gantt chart; Issue #416 June 12, 2018
No matter what area of an organization you work in, you are likely involved in projects. They may be called initiatives or some other term, but they have a clear goal, specific deliverables, and tasks that need to be done to complete the project. You will have to report on your progress to a steering…… Continue reading
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Process/sequence diagrams with many steps; Issue #415 May 29, 2018
Sometimes you may have to discuss a process or sequence that has many steps. It is a good idea to show a process using a sequence diagram such as a shapes and arrow diagram. The challenge when you have many steps is fitting them all on the slide. Here is an example based on a…… Continue reading
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FinancialViz Makeover: Putting comparisons side-by-side
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Launch of FinancialViz.com; Issue #414 May 15, 2018
Too often financial results or analysis are reported using spreadsheets or paragraphs of text. I have worked for a number of years helping professionals in finance, treasury, and other areas use visuals to effectively communicate important messages. Often the most impactful part of my customized workshops or conference sessions are the real-world examples I show.…… Continue reading
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Comparing growth in Sales and Expense categories over time; Slide Makeover #92
Use an index line graph to compare trends in different data series using a common starting point Continue reading
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Capitalization of Headlines; Issue #413 May 1, 2018
After my customized workshops, one of the key take-aways people say they will implement is to write headlines for their slides instead of titles. A headline is a summary of the key message you want the audience to understand from this slide. It forces you to be clear on that message and restricts you to…… Continue reading
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Comparing Revenue components to previous year; Slide Makeover #91
Use a “steps to a total” graph instead of a spreadsheet to explain the components of total revenue Continue reading
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Using video in PowerPoint; Issue #412 April 17, 2018
A number of years ago I heard a lot about how every presentation in the future would include video. It was the hot topic of the day. Video is useful in some presentations like sales or recognition presentations. As I’ve moved to deal with more data heavy presentations, I have found that video does not…… Continue reading
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Current view on paperless handouts; Issue #411 April 3, 2018
In the last 18 months I have seen a significant shift in how participants have used handouts in my customized training workshops. In the past, a copy was printed for each participant and they took notes on the handout during the workshop. Today I see more participants not using paper handouts. Approximately 75% of the…… Continue reading
