#50 Stop letting Excel choose your charts for you

In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk breaks down why "recommended charts" and default visualisations often hide the real story in your data... and what to do instead. You'll learn how Microsoft Excel's chart choices can unintentionally mislead your audience, distract from your message, or make insights harder to see, especially when you're presenting to leaders, clients, or time-poor teams.

If you've ever wondered:

• why your chart feels "technically correct" but still confusing

• what makes a chart persuasive, not just pretty

• how to avoid common Excel chart traps (hello, clutter and unnecessary complexity)

…this is for you.

Selena shares practical rules of thumb for choosing visuals based on the question you're answering, not the chart type Excel serves up. Expect clear examples, quick decision prompts, and a simple framework you can apply immediately - whether you're building a board report, a dashboard, or a one-slide update for an audience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The hidden bias baked into Excel's default chart recommendations

• A fast "purpose-first" method for choosing better visuals

• How to make your charts clearer, calmer, and more convincing

Perfect for team and business leaders, analysts, and anyone who wants their data to land with impact.

Keywords: Excel charts, data visualisation, choosing the right chart, dashboard design, data storytelling, spreadsheet reporting, better charts in Excel, business reporting visuals, data communication