Week 1 – Introduction to
Quantitative Communication
Data Visualization with 'Show Me the
Numbers' – Stephen Few
Session Overview
• 180-minute session
• Topic: Why Numbers Matter
• Reference: Chapter 1 – Show Me the Numbers
Part 1: Welcome & Context
• Course Introduction
• - What this course covers
• - Expectations and assessment
• - Intro to Stephen Few
Part 2: Why Visualize Data?
• Why use tables and graphs
• Common pitfalls in business communication
• "Numbers don’t speak for themselves"
• Consequences of poor visualization
• Case Study: Figure 1.1 vs. Figure 1.2
Slide Concepts – Part 2
• Stephen Few quote: "Numbers have an
important story to tell..."
• Bad vs. good chart examples (3D pie vs. bar)
• Poll: Which chart is more useful?
Part 3: Purpose of Quantitative
Communication
• Four roles of quantitative displays:
• - Analyzing, Communicating, Monitoring,
Planning
• Visual communication as a skill
• Case Study: Figure 1.5 (Product Sales bar
chart)
Activity: Chart Critique in Pairs
• Provide 2 flawed charts
• Questions for each:
• - What’s the message?
• - What’s missing?
• - What would you improve?
Part 4: Tables vs. Graphs
• When to use a table?
• When to use a graph?
• Case-based comparison
• Figures 1.3 & 1.4: Table vs. Bar chart
• Illustration: Preattentive attributes
Activity: Choose the Right Format
• Provide 3 scenarios
• Choose table or graph
• Justify your choice
Part 5: Summary & Reflection
• Key Takeaways:
• - Visualization aids decision-making
• - Start with the message
• - Avoid software defaults
• Next: Chapter 2 – Simple Statistics
Homework Assignment
• Find a bad chart in media or work
• Write 200 words on issues and improvements
• Submit in Excel with screenshot and notes
