Often we have to show segments that add to 100% of whatever we are measuring. A stacked column graph is a very common way to show this visually. When the proportions of the segments change over time, we typically use side by side stacked column graphs. This slide makeover shows how using a diverging stacked bar chart can make the changes in two groups of segments much easier for the audience to understand.

1. Slide Makeover Video Podcast #80: Shifting breakdown of segments totaling 100%
Based on the ideas in “Present It So They Get It” by Dave Paradi
www.PresentItSoTheyGetIt.com

2. A stacked column graph is commonly used to show how different segments add to a total of 100%. When the breakdown changes over time, side by side stacked columns are used. Here is a typical example …

4. Stacked column graphs are difficult for people to understand because the segments don’t always start in the same spot. Here’s what I am talking about …

5. Did the orange segment grow? Not sure, because it doesn’t start in the same spot

6. A better approach is to use a diverging stacked bar chart. It is a long name for a visual, but it can be very useful for this situation. Here’s what I turned the original graph into.

7. 90
63
64
56
63
41
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
International
Out of state
Boise State University
Purdue University
University of Alabama
In state
83
62
90
74
58
44
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
U of Calif - Berkeley
U of Calif – Los Angeles
U of New Hampshire
Higher fees from out of state & International students making up for funding shortfalls
Estimated composition of incoming freshman class

8. By having the data go each direction from a baseline, you can more easily see the changes in each group of data.

9. 90
63
64
56
63
41
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
International
Out of state
Boise State University
Purdue University
University of Alabama
In state
83
62
90
74
58
44
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
U of Calif - Berkeley
U of Calif – Los Angeles
U of New Hampshire
Higher fees from out of state & International students making up for funding shortfalls
Estimated composition of incoming freshman class
It is easy to compare the In State segments

10. 90
63
64
56
63
41
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
International
Out of state
Boise State University
Purdue University
University of Alabama
In state
83
62
90
74
58
44
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
2008-9
2013-14
U of Calif - Berkeley
U of Calif – Los Angeles
U of New Hampshire
Higher fees from out of state & International students making up for funding shortfalls
Estimated composition of incoming freshman class
And the Out of State segments

11. It may look complicated to create this type of graph, but it really isn’t that hard. It uses the stacked bar chart built in to Excel or PowerPoint.

12. I made it easier with a calculator that does the work for you and gives you instructions on using the resulting data in PowerPoint or Excel. Click here to download an Excel file with this calculator and four other calculators.

13. A diverging stacked bar chart allows you to show how the two groups of segments that add to 100% change over time. A group can be a single data series (like the In State series) or multiple data series (like the two Out of State series).

14. Before
After
Lessons:
1.Stacked column graphs make it hard to see changes in multiple data series
2.By having the two groups of data go in different directions from a common baseline, it is easier to compare the groups
3.Diverging stacked Bar Charts are easier to create using this calculator
Quick recap:
More makeovers available at www.SlideMakeoverVideos.com

15. If you would like me to help your team create presentations that have a clear message with focused content and effective visuals, get in touch:
P: 905-510-4911
E: Dave@ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com
W: www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com