Charts That Tell the Truth

About this course

A well-chosen chart can make a decision obvious, and a careless one can mislead even when every number is correct. This course helps you pick the right chart type, use honest scales and add the labels and context people need. You'll finish with a quick checklist to run before any chart leaves your desk.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to choose a chart type that matches the question and the data
• You'll be able to spot and avoid misleading scales and axes
• You'll be able to add labels, sources and context that make a chart self-explanatory
• You'll be able to use colour and emphasis carefully and run a final check before sharing

Course outline

1. Chart Selection Basics

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   The chart you choose should answer a specific question. Comparison, change over time, part-to-whole and relationship each suggest different chart types.
2. Honest Scales

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   The scale of an axis controls how big a difference looks. A truncated or stretched axis can exaggerate small changes and mislead the reader without a single false number.
3. Labels and Context

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A chart without labels, sources or context invites the wrong conclusion. A clear title, labelled axes and a short note on what the reader should notice make it self-explanatory.
4. Colour and Emphasis

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Colour should guide the eye to what matters, not decorate the page. Use a restrained palette, highlight one key message and never rely on colour alone to carry meaning.
5. Final Checks Before Sharing

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A short final check catches most problems before a chart reaches a decision-maker. Run through the same checklist every time so the habit becomes automatic.
6. Tools you'll need

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Good charts don't need expensive software. Most people can create honest, clear charts in a spreadsheet, and move to dedicated tools when they need interactivity or sharing.
7. Careers & next steps

   6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Clear, honest charts are valued in analysis, reporting, marketing and management roles. This lesson sets out where these skills can lead and how to check what the work is worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.