Chaim Yudkowsky, CPA, CITP, CGMA Checklist for effective graph preparation - circa 1995

1. IS MY GRAPH EFFECTIVE?
THE INFOLIST SERIES
WHAT?
 What message should the graph tell?
 What information should be emphasized?
 Financial
 Statistical
WHY?
 Why is this message important to me?
 Why is this message important to other readers of the graph?
 Why is this message true?
HOW?
 Is it proportional?
 Are numbers or other facts quoted out of context?
 Do you really need the 3-D option turned on?
 Which graph type presents your message best?
 Pie
 Vertical bar
 Horizontal bar
 Stacked bar
 Line
 Area
 Other
FINISHING TOUCHES
 Are there any unnecessary facts included in the graph?
 Are all words spelled out, where possible?
 Are the words running from left to right mostly?
 Are words spelled in upper and lower case?
 Is the orientation on the page and graph size appropriate for the message and context
of delivery?
This information is being provided simply to give you a better
understanding of some of the issues related to the preparation of
effective graphs. No final conclusions about the significance of
graph information should be reached by completing this InfoList
without further review and consultation with a business advisor.
If you have any questions or comments regarding any of the
material herein, please contact Chaim Yudkowsky at
410-736-9875.
© Copyright 1994 by Chaim Yudkowsky, CPA410-736-9875  cyudkowsky@byteofsuccess.com