Preparing and

Interpreting Visuals
 Graphics/ Visuals

Graphs Tables
Graphs Tables Diagrams Charts Visual Maps
Images
Table

• A table is useful in displaying numbers in columns.

• It condenses and classifies information to make
comparison between and among data and helps the
readers grasp relationship that might be invisible in
prose.
• It contains at least two columns with headings on the side an
at the top. The heading on the top is called a boxhead while
the heading on the far left columns is called a stub.
Strategies in Reading a Table
• Read the title of the table.
• Check whether the information is updated or
obsolete.
• Check the source of the information.
• Study the headings and their relationships.
• Read the details with the headings in mind.
• Compare and contrast the different columns.
Strategies in Preparing a Table
• Informal or simple tables need not have table numbers and
titles since they function as an extension of the text. They
should not be included in the list of illustrations. However,
they require column heading.
• Formal tables, which contain complex data, should contain
titles, table numbers, and detailed headings. They are
separated from the text and are included in the list of
illustrations.
• Use plenty of white space within and around the text.
• Use concise and clear headings for all the columns and rows.
• Assign a title and number to each formal table.
• Use abbreviations and symbols when necessary. However,
special symbols and abbreviations must be clarified in a
legend or footnote.
• Write the source of the table when necessary.
• Use uppercase and lowercase instead of full caps.
•
Chart

A graphical representation of data using symbols that are usually

boxes, lines, and arrows. Its general purpose is to show ranks, levels,
procedure, and classifications.
The two common charts are the organizational chart and the flow
chart.
• An organizational chart presents rankings, classification, and levels of
ideas.
• A flow chart illustrates a process of direction of steps.
Company Organizational Chart
Strategies in Reading a Chart
• Study each step or grouping presented in the chart.
• Pay attention to the arrows or lines that indicate the flow,
relationship, steps, and sequence.
• To ensure you understand the chart, summarize each step or
component in your own words and make you own chart in your mind.
• Compare your mental chart to the description in the text to check
how accurate you are.
Strategies in Preparing an Organizational Chart
• Use varied shapes carefully. Rectangles are usually used for all
positions.
• Connect the boxes with solid lines to show direct reporting
relationship and dotted lines to show indirect or staff relationship.
• You may design the chart creatively but avoid making it too
distracting or complicated.
GRAPHS
•a graphical representations of data using bars for bar
graphs, lines for line graphs, circles for pie graphs, and
pictures for pictographs. Each type of graph has a specific
function and purpose.

A bar graph uses vertical and horizontal bars that compare

amounts and quantities.
Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Strategies in Reading a Bar Graph
• Read the title, caption, and source note.
• Determine the purpose of the graph.
• Look at the dates mentioned, if there are any.
• Identify what is being compared. Is it an amount or quantity?
• If the data changes over time, determine the time span and the
amount of change.
• If products, services, and other items are being compared look
carefully at their names.
•
Strategies in Preparing a Bar Graph
• Limit the number of bars. Too many bars may create confusion and
complicate the data.
• Show the comparisons clearly.
• Keep the bar widths consistent.
• It is ideal to use spaces between bars. However, if comparisons are
too close or too many, spaces between bars may be deleted.
• Arrange the bars based on sequence (by year to show trends) or by
ascending/descending order (to show direct comparisons).
• Use legends as much as possible.
A line graph shows trends and changes in data.
Usually, the bottom grid scale represents time.
Qualitative Line Graph
Strategies in reading a Line graph
• Read the title, caption, and source note.
• Determine the purpose of the graph.
• Read the horizontal axis.
• Determine the kind of intervals.
• Read the vertical axis and identify what is being measured.
• Trace the jagged line that connects each point and determine changes
over time.
Strategies in Preparing a Line Graph
• Plot the data very carefully.
• Use different line colors for line graphs using multiple lines.
• Make the chart lines thicker than the axis lines.
• Do not put the numbers on the line graph itself
A circle graph (or pie graph), which uses pie-
shaped sections, shows the relationship of the
parts to the whole in percentages and
proportions.
Qualitative Circle Graph
Strategies in Reading a Circle Graph
• Read the title and captions carefully.
• Note the number and labels of pie sections of the graph.
• Check if there is any “legend” section and study it.
• Identify the shares, quantity, and percentage of each section. Identify
which sections have the smallest and largest percentages.
Strategies in Preparing a Circle Graph
• Use no more than seven divisions.
• Move clockwise from 12:00. Start with the largest wedge going to the
smallest. However, “others” or miscellaneous items must be placed last no
matter how large they cover.
• Use circle graph for percentages and money especially when the items they
represent are divisible by 100.
• Make the circle graph as simple as possible.
• Label each component.
• If you want to show a subdivision of a particular wedge in a circle graph,
use a “pie within a pie” technique.
General Steps in Interpreting Visuals
• Read the title and the subtitle.
• Read the captions, keys, and labels.
• Determine the purpose of the material.
• Identify the organization of information.
• Analyze the relationship of details such as changes and
trends.
• Make a conclusion about the data, if necessary
General Guidelines for Adding Visuals to your
Text
• Determine the purpose of the visual.
• Evaluate the accuracy and validity of the data.
• Visuals should be accompanied by clear references within your text. (e.g. as
shown in Figure 4, the…)
• Visuals should be placed on the same page as the text reference. Complex
visuals should be placed on the page opposite the text reference.
• Preferably, position the visual vertically.
• Make your visual as simple and self-explanatory as possible by adding data
labels.
• If the visuals are colored, go for basic contrasting colors which are easy on
the eye; as much as possible avoid adding patterns and textures, as well as
neon colors.
Thank you
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