Presenting numbers can be quite challenging at times. We always resort to copying and pasting data from a spreadsheet onto PowerPoint slides. There are alternatives to the boring spreadsheet if we take a little effort to analyse what key numbers should appear on our presentation slides. Again, the basic rules applies, make it simple. Be focused.
Let's take a look at one category of numbers that we often present—Trend Data. Instead of using the common line chart, we can try using key numbers with increasing sizes.
Trending up numbers. Start with a smaller font size on the lower value number and gradually increase the font size as the number value increases.
Random positioning. If the numbers presented do not represent a tread, we can then position them randomly on the slide using varying font sizes—larger font size on the larger number value.
Now and Then. When we are showing only 2 sets of numbers, we can use the Now and Then perspective to present these numbers. Use a smaller font size for the Now (or past) number and a larger font size for the Then (future) number.
Moving away from the common line chart will make our presentation slides more interesting, offering a different perspective in looking at the same set of data.
