PowerPoint Charts & Data Visualization for Business from Udemy

The course explained in one sentence:

A practical approach to teaching all charting features of PowerPoint enhanced with practical data visualization tips and guidelines.

Why charts in PowerPoint?

Demystifying Charts - Let me teach you, once and for all, how to correctly approach and use charts in PowerPoint

PowerPoint Features - The reason so many charts look exactly alike is that not many people are diving deep into their options - but once you learn, just once, where everything is it repeats itself for most chart types.

Correct data showcase - Know how to select your chart and what are the advantages of every chart. The line chart is optimal for time-based data that has many data points (above 10 for example), and the pie chart is perfect to showcase "parts of a whole", like percentages out of 100%.

What will I learn?

How to use charts in PowerPoint and all its features
What chart type to use in what situation
It is completely project-based and practical
PowerPoint usage at an intermediate level
Demistyfies the PowerPoint chart feature and makes you an expert in it.

Who is this course for?

Everyone who wants to learn about charts, once and for all
Data visualization is an ever-green, lifelong skill to acquire, so I would say it's for everyone. After this course, you will look differently at all the charts you see because I will give you practical advice about every chart type we work on
The course is suitable for PowerPoint for Windows and PowerPoint for MAC users, as all resources have been tested and confirmed to work

Resources:

As always, I keep my courses practical and based on real-world experience. This is important especially with charts and data visualization in PowerPoint, since you need to be able to analyze your data set and select the correct chart for it. Each single chart type has several projects to follow along.

Each project contains:

- A dedicated data set as an example

- A ready example of the chart so you can preview it

- A custom slide with explanations to work step-by-step

Have PowerPoint charts changed over the years? No. This is an ever-green feature

PowerPoint chart features are almost identical in all its versions. PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2019 and now Microsoft365 with its subscription offer a variety of charts for our data visualizations. Let us learn all the features that we have available to make better Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

I hope you are interested in this amazing topic.

Get ready to elevate your presentations with captivating charts and compelling data visualization techniques.

Enroll now and I'll see you inside.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Most used chart types - line, bar, column, area and more
How to choose the right chart type
Effective use of powerpoint's charting features

Animating charts & data
Understanding the principles of data visualization
Best practices for labeling and writing titles

Most used chart types - line, bar, column, area and more
How to choose the right chart type
Effective use of powerpoint's charting features
Animating charts & data
Understanding the principles of data visualization
Best practices for labeling and writing titles

Syllabus

Here I will introduce you to the content and allow you to download resources for lectures.

Introduction

Here you can download the resources for this course.

Understand how PowerPoint charts work, what are the key features that set them apart from any other Microsoft PowerPoint shape or object.

Introduction to different charts

PowerPoint Charts #1 - Chart Basics (Part 1)

PowerPoint Charts #1 - Chart Basics (Part 2)

PowerPoint Charts #2 - Arcane Knowledge

PowerPoint Charts #3 - Color Scheme

PowerPoint Charts #4 – Design Elements of a Chart

Line Chart is one of the most used charts - and for a good reason. This section will clarify when to use it, what data sets are suitable for it and how to operate a line chart in PowerPoint.

Line Chart - When to use

Line Chart #1 (Part 1) - Chart and its title

Line Chart #1 (Part 2) - Formatting and Labelling

Line Chart #2 - Visual Declutter - PowerPoint Presentation tip

What is an Action Title

Line Chart #3 - Highlighting Data

Answer a few simple questions to solidify your knowledge!

Both column charts and bar charts in PowerPoint have their specific options. After this seciton you will understand how to change the space between different bars, organized them and consolidate.

Column and Bar Chart - Explanation

Column and Bar #1 - Column Chart

Column and Bar #2 - Bar Chart

Stacked Column Chart - Explanation

Column and Bar #3 - Stacked Bar Chart

Let us work through this little practice test for better knowledge retention.

Use a pie chart correctly. Know, that a pie charts showcases a part-to-whole, fractions of 100%. Know when it is suitable to use a Pie chart.

Pie Chart – When to Use

Pie Chart #1 - Formatting it in a PowerPoint presentation

Pie Chart #2 – Rotating for correct display

Pie Chart #3 – Doughnut Chart

Understand what are the differences between a line chart, a column chart and an area chart. Use the advantages of an area chart for different types of data.

Area Chart – When to Use

Area Chart #1 – Reorganize Series

Area Chart #2 - Grouping Categories, advanced PowerPoint charts

Area Chart #3 – Projective Data and PowerPoint for MAC

Area Chart #4 – Stacked Area Chart in Microsoft PowerPoint

Showcase one of your grahps!

Effectively use waterfall charts. Know, how to set total values in PowerPoint and what a waterfall chart represents.

Waterfall Chart – Introduction

Waterfall Chart #1 – With Two Totals

Waterfall Chart #2 – With One Total

Understand that some data can be showcased graphically with pictographs. Use creative showcases to visualize information.

Pictograph – Explanation

Pictograph #1 – Icons as measurement

Pictograph #2 – Icon Infographic in Microsoft PowerPoint

Maps will always have a "place" in charting and data visualization. This section is meant to teach you how to acquire a map for PowerPoint that can be used for various projects.

Map Exercise #1 – World or Country

Map Exercise #2 – Native PowerPoint Map

Map Exercise #3 – PowerPoint Templates

This section will teach you how to use alternative scales on a chart to combine several types of chart on one graph.

Combo Chart #1 - Line and Column for MS PowerPoint

Apart from just creating and adjusting graphics we often have to animate them. In this section you will learn how to animate charts by series, by categories or as a shape in general.

PowerPoint Animation Practice #1 – Basics about Chart Animation

PowerPoint Animation Practice #2 - Separating Series - Advanced PowerPoint

PowerPoint Animation Practice #3 – Animate by Series, by Category

PowerPoint Animation Practice #4 – Using Transitions to Visualize Data

PowerPoint Animation Practice #5 – Using PowerPoint Morph

Learn good practices while working with Charts in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Good Practices #1 - Colors and Editing

Good Practices #2 – Gradient Bars

Good Practices #3 - Marker Design in ms PowerPoint

Good Practices #4 - Trendline

Adding a Chart Template Windows and MAC

Setting as Default - PowerPoint for Windows, PowerPoint for MAC

Allow me to conclude the content and thank you for participation in it!

Thank You!

This is a bonus lecture for the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers practical, project-based exercises using real-world datasets, which helps learners immediately apply new skills to their presentations

Covers animation techniques, including separating series and using transitions, which can add a dynamic element to presentations

Explores advanced chart types like waterfall charts and pictographs, which can help learners visualize data in creative ways

Focuses on PowerPoint chart features, which are largely consistent across versions (2016, 2019, Microsoft 365), making the skills evergreen

Includes a section on map exercises, which teaches learners how to incorporate maps into their presentations for geographic data visualization

Teaches best practices for chart design, including color schemes, gradient bars, and marker design, which enhances the visual appeal of presentations

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PowerPoint Charts & Data Visualization for Business with these activities:

Review Basic PowerPoint Skills

Show steps

Refamiliarize yourself with basic PowerPoint functions to better understand the charting features.

Browse courses on PowerPoint

Show steps

Open PowerPoint and review the ribbon interface.
Practice creating and formatting basic shapes and text boxes.
Explore different slide layouts and design options.

Review 'Storytelling with Data'

Show steps

Learn data visualization principles to enhance your PowerPoint charts.

View Storytelling with You: Plan, Create, and... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book 'Storytelling with Data'.
Identify key principles for effective data visualization.
Consider how to apply these principles to PowerPoint charts.

Recreate Sample Charts

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of chart creation by replicating examples from the course.

Show steps

Select a chart example from the course materials.
Gather the data used in the example chart.
Recreate the chart in PowerPoint, paying attention to formatting and labeling.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Design a Data Visualization Portfolio

Show steps

Showcase your skills by creating a portfolio of compelling data visualizations using PowerPoint.

Show steps

Identify datasets relevant to your interests or profession.
Create a series of PowerPoint charts to visualize the data.
Write a brief description of each chart, explaining its purpose and key insights.
Compile the charts and descriptions into a portfolio presentation.

Review 'Good Charts'

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of data visualization principles with this guide.

View Good Charts, Updated and Expanded: The HBR... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book 'Good Charts'.
Note the key steps in the data visualization process.
Consider how to apply these steps to your PowerPoint chart design.

Redesign Existing Charts

Show steps

Improve your skills by redesigning poorly designed charts from real-world examples.

Show steps

Find examples of ineffective charts in publications or online.
Analyze the charts and identify their weaknesses.
Redesign the charts in PowerPoint, applying the principles learned in the course.
Document the changes you made and explain why they improve the chart.

Help Others with Charting

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge by helping others learn PowerPoint charting.

Show steps

Offer assistance to colleagues or friends who are struggling with PowerPoint charts.
Explain charting concepts and techniques in a clear and concise manner.
Provide feedback on their chart designs and offer suggestions for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete PowerPoint Charts & Data Visualization for Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Analyst

A business analyst uses data to understand business performance and identify areas for improvement, often presenting findings to stakeholders. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization is directly relevant, as business analysts frequently need to create compelling charts and graphs to communicate insights. The course provides training in selecting the right chart type for different data, and in using PowerPoint's features. This course helps a business analyst present complex information clearly and persuasively, making recommendations more impactful to their organization. The practical, project-based approach of the course offers hands-on experience in applying data visualization techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts use data to track campaign performance, identify market trends, and measure customer behavior. A core part of this role is presenting data to marketing teams and stakeholders. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization is highly beneficial to a marketing analyst, enabling them to present marketing data in a clear, concise and compelling manner. The practical nature of this course, which shows how to choose the right chart type and use PowerPoint, directly translates to this role's day to day. Specifically, skills learned in the module on 'Line Chart' of this course could be useful to show changes in metrics over time.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate financial data, create reports, and make recommendations based on financial trends. Presenting financial data through charts and graphs is a crucial aspect of this role. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization is highly applicable. The course provides instruction on selecting appropriate chart types for different financial data and optimizing visuals. The course will help a financial analyst create compelling and informative visual presentations. The lessons on using different types of charts, such as column or pie charts, align well with the duties of this role, and the project-based nature helps build confidence with presentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Management Consultant

Management consultants work with businesses to improve their performance and solve problems. Consultants frequently use data and visual aids to persuade clients. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be quite useful, since consultants need to develop very clear and compelling reports and presentations. By mastering this course, a management consultant will be able to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively. This course provides hands-on experience with different chart types and PowerPoint features, which will be useful to communicate important insights to clients. The 'Good Practices' lessons in this course improve visual communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Project Manager

A project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, often communicating progress and status updates to relevant stakeholders. The ability to visualize project data using charts and graphs is critical to this role. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be quite helpful as it teaches how to effectively present project timelines, budgets, and other performance data. Project managers could effectively use the knowledge of animation and charts of this course, to showcase milestones or highlight important information. Specifically, the 'Waterfall Chart' section of the course would help with presentations about project budgets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and develop data-driven solutions. While data scientists often use more specialized tools for analysis, they need to communicate the results to non-technical audiences. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful for a data scientist, as they will need to present their findings effectively to stakeholders. The course teaches how to select the proper chart type and use PowerPoint functionality. The module on 'Action Titles' would be useful to highlight key takeaway points from their complex analysis. This can greatly enhance the impact of their data-driven recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Sales Manager

Sales managers oversee sales teams and strategies. They use data to analyze performance, track progress, and report to upper management. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful, as sales managers need to present sales data clearly and succinctly. The course provides instruction on using different charts and utilizing PowerPoint’s features to their advantage. The course's overview of commonly used charts such as ‘line’ and ‘column’ charts are directly applicable for demonstrating sales growth, and for providing an overview of sales performance to their teams. They will be able to make data more understandable and impactful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study consumer behavior and market trends. They use data to understand customer preferences and create market reports. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful for a market research analyst as they need to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders. The course's practical approach to chart selection and PowerPoint use offers direct benefits to this role. Learning how to use 'Pictographs' and ‘Maps’ of this course provides specific techniques for presenting the analysis to their teams and clients. This course will enhance their ability to communicate marketing insights clearly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Product Manager

Product managers guide the development and launch of products. They rely on data to understand market needs and assess product performance. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful for a product manager. They need to effectively communicate product performance metrics and insights to stakeholders. The course teaches how to select the right chart type, use PowerPoint features for presenting data, and make presentations more engaging. Learning to present visually compelling data is valuable to build a compelling case for the products they are shepherding from development to market. The ‘Combo Chart’ section of the course in particular may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Analyst

Operations analysts focus on improving organizational efficiency and productivity. They use data to monitor performance metrics, analyze operational processes, and identify areas for improvement. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful in this role because they need to communicate findings to management. The course explains how to choose appropriate charts for presenting operational data. The course provides practical techniques for effective communication. They would be able to use this course to present analyses and insights to inform decision-making during operations improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Academic Researcher

Academic researchers conduct studies and disseminate findings through publications and presentations. They often need to present research data visually. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful if an academic researcher needs to create presentations for conferences and seminars. The course offers techniques to effectively present data using a variety of charts and PowerPoint functionality. The module specific to 'Good Practices' may help improve clarity and visual appeal of presentations. While typically an advanced degree is needed, this course may still help those in related fields who seek to visualize data sets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher

Sales Representative

Sales representatives sell products or services to customers. While their job is not primarily focused on data analysis, presenting sales data to potential clients can be advantageous. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be of some assistance as it provides tools to create custom charts in PowerPoint. This course teaches how to present sales data effectively through visuals, improving clarity. The course offers practical hands-on lessons. This will enable a representative to better utilize sales data to enhance presentations to clients.

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Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists focus on talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation. While the role is not primarily analytical, they may need to use data for presentations internally. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful in a limited context for a human resources specialist. The course's focus on chart selection and effective use of PowerPoint, can help when presenting HR data. For example, they may need to demonstrate employee demographics, or present budget information using visual aids. The module about ‘Pie Charts’ can be useful to demonstrate the composition of an HR budget.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist

Teacher

Teachers educate students in various subjects. While not traditionally data-focused, teachers often need to present information visually. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful for some teachers. The course provides techniques for creating compelling and informative visuals in PowerPoint. For example, a teacher could use charts to present student performance data or create engaging graphics for classroom lessons. The focus of the course is not geared towards the teaching profession, but the skills picked up would still be beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants provide support to office staff. They may need to organize information, create reports, and present data using visual aids. This course on PowerPoint charts and data visualization may be useful though not central to the role of an administrative assistant. The course provides instruction on using PowerPoint to create visual representations of data. For example, an administrative assistant may be asked to prepare a report for an executive with charts and graphs. The course’s lessons on ‘Design Elements of a Chart’ may help make these presentations more effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant

PowerPoint Charts & Data Visualization for Business

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