Data Visualisation
DATA VISUALISATION
INTRODUCTION
The ability to communicate data effectively is an essential skill in today’s information-driven world. A well-designed visual representation of data can simplify complex information, uncover insights, and support decision-making.
This Data Visualization training course equips participants with the skills to create clear and impactful visuals using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, alongside selected online tools. The course emphasizes how to structure data, choose the right visualization techniques, and present findings in a compelling and professional manner.
Participants will start with basic charts and tables before progressing to dashboards, infographics, and interactive presentations. Throughout the course, real-world examples will be used to demonstrate how data visualization enhances communication across different industries, from business and marketing to operations and project management.
This course will cover:
✔ The principles of effective data visualization
✔ How to select the right type of chart or graph for the data
✔ Structuring data-driven presentations for impact
✔ Using Excel and PowerPoint to create professional visualizations
✔ Incorporating interactive elements and storytelling techniques
✔ Common mistakes to avoid in data visualization
✔ Exploring online tools that can enhance visualization techniques
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course aims to help participants transform data into clear, meaningful, and engaging visual presentations. By learning best practices, participants will develop the ability to communicate data-driven insights effectively while avoiding misleading representations.
By the end of this course, participants will:
✔ Understand the core principles of data visualization
✔ Know how to select, prepare, and format data for visual presentation
✔ Apply Excel and PowerPoint features to create compelling charts, graphs, and dashboards
✔ Learn how to structure data storytelling for different audiences
✔ Explore available online tools for additional visualization options
✔ Identify and avoid common pitfalls in data presentation
✔ Develop confidence in designing and delivering data-driven reports
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This training course is highly practical and hands-on, with participants working directly in Excel and PowerPoint to create and refine data visualizations. The course includes:
✔ Step-by-step exercises on creating charts, graphs, and dashboards
✔ Case studies and real-world examples to apply visualization techniques
✔ Guided practice in structuring and delivering data presentations
✔ Exploration of online tools for enhancing visual content
✔ Live feedback and peer discussions to refine visualization skills
By the end of the course, participants will have developed a portfolio of practical data visualizations that they can apply directly in their work.
ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS
Organizations that invest in data visualization skills gain a competitive advantage in decision-making, reporting, and business communication. This course will help businesses:
✔ Improve clarity and impact in reports and presentations
✔ Enable employees to present data more effectively in meetings and discussions
✔ Reduce misinterpretation of key data insights
✔ Streamline reporting processes with Excel dashboards
✔ Encourage evidence-based decision-making through better data communication
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS
Participants will develop valuable skills that enhance their ability to:
✔ Organize and prepare data for clear communication
✔ Select the most effective visualization methods for different data types
✔ Create professional-level graphs, dashboards, and reports using Excel and PowerPoint
✔ Use storytelling techniques to enhance presentations
✔ Incorporate interactive elements to engage an audience
✔ Spot and avoid misleading visualizations in reports and presentations
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is designed for professionals who work with data and need to communicate findings in a clear and compelling way. It is ideal for:
✔ Business Analysts & Data Analysts
✔ Marketing & Sales Professionals
✔ Project & Operations Managers
✔ Financial Analysts & Risk Managers
✔ Consultants & Strategy Planners
✔ Engineers & Quality Control Specialists
✔ Anyone who creates reports, dashboards, or presentations
No prior experience with advanced statistical analysis is required. A basic understanding of Excel and PowerPoint is recommended.
COURSE OUTLINE
DAY 1 – The Fundamentals of Data Visualization
✔ Why data visualization is essential for effective communication
✔ Key principles of good design in data visualization
✔ Selecting the right chart or graph for different types of data
✔ Structuring data-driven presentations for clarity and impact
✔ Hands-on practice: Creating basic charts and tables in Excel
DAY 2 – Enhancing Data Presentation with Design & Storytelling
✔ Understanding color, contrast, and layout in visual design
✔ Exploring different chart types: bar, line, pie, bubble, waterfall, etc.
✔ Creating interactive elements using Excel and PowerPoint
✔ Integrating Excel charts into PowerPoint presentations
✔ Using templates and themes for a professional look
✔ Hands-on practice: Designing effective slide-based visualizations
DAY 3 – Interactive Dashboards & Infographics in Excel
✔ Introduction to Excel dashboards for reporting
✔ Using pivot tables and slicers for interactive analysis
✔ Incorporating trendlines and forecasting tools
✔ Exploring infographic-style reporting in PowerPoint
✔ Evaluating real-world examples of successful dashboards
✔ Hands-on practice: Building an interactive Excel dashboard
DAY 4 – Advanced Visualization Techniques & Online Tools
✔ Exploring dynamic charts and animations in PowerPoint
✔ Understanding data-driven storytelling
✔ Introduction to available online tools for visualization
✔ Selecting the right tool for different presentation needs
✔ Avoiding misleading data visualizations
✔ Hands-on practice: Refining and enhancing presentations
DAY 5 – Presenting & Updating Data Visualizations
✔ Best practices for presenting data with confidence
✔ Strategies for capturing and maintaining audience attention
✔ The Piñata Principle: Engaging audiences with impactful visuals
✔ When and how to update visualizations for ongoing reporting
✔ Applying data visualization techniques in different industries
✔ Final project: Creating a polished data visualization presentation
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a John Varlow | Training and Consultancy Certificate.