Tags

,

Some friends sent me this informational graphic that aired on a certain cable news station last week.

Do you see what’s wrong with the graph? Here – let me help.

Notice how that 8.6% at the end of the graph is exactly even with all three 9.0% marks? You can also see how it’s placed higher than March’s 8.8%. It’s a mess. It’s careless at best and downright dishonest at worst.

Media Matters presented this alternative to the chart, but I’m not sure it’s really much better.

image from Media Matters for America

I think Media Matter’s solution goes to the other extreme. Instead of making that 8.6% in November look artificially high, by putting 8.6 too close to the baseline it creates a disproportionately low impression of that figure.

Instead, I propose something like this:

I’ve written on this theme a few of times now: keep your slides honest. Don’t present accurate data in a way that skews perception. Don’t use faulty data. Be honest and straightforward with your audience, or risk losing credibility. Make sure your data is accurate; then make sure you present in a clear and honest way – even when the data doesn’t fit perfectly into the narrative you want.

You want a reputation as an honest and competent individual. Make sure that honesty and competency is reflected in the visuals you create.

Advertisement