A chart is a tool you can use to COMMUNICATE your data graphically. Displaying charts in PowerPoint allows your audience to see the meaning behind the numbers, and it makes showing comparisons and trends much easier. In this LESSON, you will learn how to insert charts and modify them so they communicate information effectively. Charts In many ways, charts are an ideal way to PRESENT information in PowerPoint 2010. They give you an illustration of your data. A chart can help you show your audience what your data means and why it's important. Plus, they can add visual interest to slide SHOWS that are otherwise filled with text. To use charts effectively, you'll need to know how to insert and modify them. Optional: You can download this example for extra practice. Types of charts Click the arrows in the slideshow below to view examples of some of the types of charts available in PowerPoint. Slide 1 PowerPoint has a variety of chart types, each with its own advantages. Click the arrows to see some of the different types of charts available in PowerPoint. 12345678 Identifying the parts of a chart Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the different parts of a chart. labeled graphic Inserting charts PowerPoint uses an Excel worksheet as a placeholder for entering chart data. Therefore, when you insert or edit a chart in PowerPoint, an Excel window will automatically open. The process is user-friendly, but if you are totally unfamiliar with Excel, you might want to review our Cell Basics lesson from our Excel 2010 tutorial. To insert a chart: Select the Insert tab. Click the Insert Chart command in the ILLUSTRATIONS Group. The Insert Chart dialog box will appear. Inserting a chart Select a category from the left pane of the dialog box, and review the charts that appear in the center. If you are unsure about which chart best fits your needs, review the interactive on the previous page. The Insert Chart dialog box Select the desired chart. Click OK. An Excel window will open with a placeholder for your data.