How to present tables and charts

At Status Meetings we are often presenting just raw tables and charts.  There is a way to make them better in a few simple steps.

How to present tables and charts 

Click on the this link and download a simple guide for better tables. (Czech only)
Is it useful?

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_gDOVxazhysa0R3cXEwR1lhZ00/edit?usp=sharing

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Far too many tables and excel sheet are dumped on a page without a comment. 

You don't want your readers to work out what's going on. When readers see a table, they don't really know ehere to start. Without an obvious point we tend to simply give up.

So instead give your tables a lead-in tittle summarising the main idea. Don't just say: Our results.  Why don't you try instead: Income up 15% from 2 years ago.

Giving your table a lead-in title will also help you to focus your thoughts and present better:

What should you comment on:

a trend

a pattern

a highlight

an anomaly

a variance
a conflict
a risk
your opinion or conclusion

There must be something after all why are you showing the table? 

If you can't think of anything significant to say, then ask yourself a question: "Do I need to present it at all?"