The document discusses using a Multiple Width Overlapping Column Graph (MWOCG) to compare current performance metrics to past and expected performance. It demonstrates how overlapping columns showing current performance in front of past and expected columns makes comparisons easier. The MWOCG visual is effective for messages about performance compared to past and budget. Instructions for creating MWOCGs are available in the author's guide.

1. Slide Makeover #85:
Showing performance compared
to past and budget
Based on Dave Paradi’s ideas at
www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com

2. In many areas of organizations,
from finance to operations, we
often compare current performance
to both past performance and what
was expected. Here is a typical
example …

3. Direct to consumer revenue
2013 Actual
2014
Budget
2014 Actual
Membership
sales
$1,648,791 $1,783,000 $2,154,708
Retail store sales $116,290 $110,000 $235,757
Web sales $228,384 $282,000 $192,191

4. While the numbers are accurate,
the presenter has forced the
audience to compare the numbers
in their head in order to figure out
how the sales in each channel
have done.

5. Creating a column graph of the
numbers is more visual …

6. Direct to consumer revenue
$-
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
Membership
sales
Retail store
sales
Web sales
Thousands
2013
Budget
2014

7. But the comparison of the third
column to the first two isn’t as easy
as it could be.
By moving the column representing
the current values in front of the
other two columns, it makes
comparing all three values much
easier.

8. Web sales did not meet
expectations
$-
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
Membership sales Retail store sales Web sales
Thousands
2013
Budget
2014

9. We made some other changes as
well. We wrote a better headline
that summarizes the key message
about poor web sales performance.
Second, we got rid of the legend
and created explanatory text as
part of the visual. Third, we
cleaned up the horizontal axis.
Here is the visual again.

10. Web sales did not meet
expectations
$-
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
Membership sales Retail store sales Web sales
Thousands
2013
Budget
2014

11. I call this visual a Multiple Width
Overlapping Column Graph
(MWOCG for short). It is a really
long name, but this is a really good
visual for this type of message.

12. You can create this type of visual
by moving the current performance
column to the secondary vertical
axis. That moves it in front of the
other two columns. Just make sure
the minimum and maximum values
of both axes are the same so the
comparison is valid.

13. Here’s another version where the
explanatory text is formatted to
look more like the columns. Use
whichever look appeals most to
you and works best for your
audience.

14. Web sales did not meet
expectations
$-
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
Membership sales Retail store sales Web sales
Thousands
2013
2014
Budget

15. I’ve included detailed instructions
on creating this type of visual in my
Creating Graphs and Visuals for
Data Implementation Guide. Here’s
where you can get more details on
getting a copy of this guide.

16. When you are comparing current
performance to past and expected
performance, consider a Multiple
Width Overlapping Column Graph.

17. Before After
Lessons:
1. Write a headline that summarizes the message
2. Use overlapping columns to make comparison easy
3. Ensure the comparison is valid by matching the measurement axes
4. Add explanatory text instead of a legend
Quick recap:
More makeovers available at www.SlideMakeoverVideos.com

18. If you would like me to help
your team create presentations
that have a clear message with
focused content and effective
visuals, get in touch:
P: 905-510-4911
E: Dave@ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com
W: www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com