The document discusses 5 fundamental ways that data visualizations are used: 1. To analyze data through visual representations like charts, graphs, maps and plots in order to see trends, anomalies, correlations and patterns. 2. To discover information buried in large datasets through interactive visualizations that allow exploration of data to find unknown information. 3. To support a story by providing context, engaging audiences and emphasizing key points, as effective speakers use visuals to make stories memorable. 4. To tell a story on its own, with some data visualizations serving as the story without text. 5. To teach, as visual learning is more efficient and retains information better than text alone.