What is a Graphic Organizer?

• A visual presentation of concepts

that help the writer structure
information into organizational
patterns
• They represent essential
information and connect these
pieces of information into a
coherent framework.
What is a Graphic Organizer?
• A helpful tool for brainstorming, • It visually depicts
facilitating reading and writing, relationships between
promoting active learning, and facts, concepts, or ideas.
accessing previous knowledge • It aims to represent data
and experiences and is used in many areas
such as in statistics, data
science, math, economics,
business and etc.
Using Graphic Organizers
Most technical communications require more than text to concisely
and accurately communicate concepts or techniques.
 Graphics have to be created properly
in order to aid understanding.
Crowded or busy graphics can leave
readers more confused.
 Graphs drawn incorrectly can cause
 When not represented
readers to draw inaccurate
responsibly, data may
conclusions.
mislead readers.
 Types of Visuals
 Tables sometimes called grid, contain
detailed data/information formatted in rows
and columns for visual comparison.
 They are basically used to represent the compiled
data in a simple form; they are not used to show
relationship between separate values.
 Every column must have a heading or title. When
labelling the table, the label or numbers are
centered and written on the top of the tables.
Types of Visuals
 Figures are any illustrations other than
tables. They can be graphs, charts
drawings, photos, clip art, etc.
 They are used to illustrate the
relationship between different data or
different relationship patterns.
 The figures are labelled at the bottom. COVID-19 Cases
(as of April 10, 2020)

Tables and figures are chosen according to the most informative way to
show the data. It also depends upon what data one is trying to display.
 Principles of Effective Visuals
 Make visuals clear, easy to understand.  Tables and Figures are
Do not over-complicate them. numbered separately.
 Visuals perform a useful function. They  Number and caption every
do not just decorate your document. visual sequentially.
 Captions should be brief, accurate,
and informative/descriptive. Visuals
illustrate and supplement written
Not decorations ideas. They do not “replace” textual
information.
Principles of Effective Visuals
 Discuss each visual in the body text,
 Never omit, distort or
referring to the caption number.
manipulate information to
deceive or mislead.
 Cite the sources of visuals
you did not create yourself.
 Clearly label all elements of
a visual (legends, axes, scale,
direction, etc.) and provide a
“key”.
 Principles of Effective Visuals
 Place the visual as soon as possible after  Avoid spelling mistakes,
the in-text reference to that visual (on the poor grammar,
same page if possible). inconsistent formatting
 Table captions must be placed above the in labels, key, title or
table; figure captions must be placed accompanying text.
above or below the figure.
 Present all visuals in an appealing manner.
Don’t crowd them by the text or squeeze
in between other visuals and use white
space to enhance readability.
Tables
• Consists of horizontal rows and vertical
columns
• Stub is the leftmost column that holds the
row headings while the top row that holds
the column headings is called Boxhead.
• All tables must include a boxhead row.
Center and bold the boxhead text.
• Explain key points of the table; refer to
tables in nearby text, and explain the
significance. Data does not “speak for
itself” – you must discuss its significance.
 Types of Figures
 Graphs  Illustrations
Line graphs Photographs
Bar graphs Diagrams
Drawings

 Charts
Pie charts
Flow charts
Organizational charts
 Line Graph
A line graph displays data that changes continuously over time. Each
line graph consists of points that connect data to show a trend
(continuous change).
 Line graphs have an x-axis and a y-
axis. In most cases, time is
distributed on the horizontal axis.
 They are used to visualize trends
(past and/or predictive) and other
dependent relationships.
 Bar Graph
A bar graph represents categorical data with rectangular bars. They are
the most popular types of graphs in economics, statistics, marketing, and
visualization in digital customer experience. They are commonly used to
compare several categories of data.
 Each rectangular bar has length and
height proportional to the values that
they represent.
 One axis of the bar chart presents the
categories being compared. The
other axis shows a measured value.
 Pie Chart
A pie chart or the circle chart displays data and statistics in an easy-to-
understand ‘pie-slice’ format and illustrates numerical proportion.
 A pie chart
 To make a pie
breaks down a
chart, you need a
group into
list of categorical
smaller pieces. It
variables and
shows part-
numerical
whole
variables.
relationships.
 Flow Chart
A flow chart is a graphical or symbolic
representation of a process.
 Each step in the process is
represented by a different symbol
and contains a short description of
the process step.
 The flow chart symbols are linked
together with arrows showing the
process flow direction.
 Organizational Chart
An organizational chart, also called organigram or organogram, is a
diagram that shows the structure of an organization and the
relationships and relative ranks of its parts and positions/jobs.
 The most powerful
positions are placed at the
top while the least
powerful positions are
placed at the bottom.
 Diagram
Kinds of Diagrams
A diagram is a A. Conventional Line Drawing B. Exploded View
simplified, realistic
depiction of objects or
specific aspects/
details. IT portrays
C. Cut-away Diagram
what is most relevant
and it clarifies
information focusing
on important features.
 Venn Diagram
A venn diagram or primary diagram is used to compare and contrast
ideas and events. This diagram shows two or more overlapping circles
to visualize the logical relationships between two or more group of
items.
 The items in the overlapping
section have specific common
characteristics.
 Items in the outer portions of
the circles do not have common
traits.
Key Takeaways:
 Choose the visual that will most effectively convey the information
to the reader.
 Introduce and explain each visual as it appears in the text. Visuals
without descriptions are rarely helpful for an unfamiliar audience.
 Use good practices to make graphs
clear and easy to read.
 Maintain consistent style and
formatting throughout your visuals to
avoid distracting from the message.
References:
• Kaushik, N. (n.d.) Difference between table and figure. Retrieved from
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/protocols-formats/difference-
between-table-and-figur
• Valcheva, S. (n.d.) Types of graphs and charts and their uses. Retrieved from
http://www.intellspot.com/types-graphs-charts/
• Wahlin, L. (n.d.) Using graphics and visuals effectively. Retrieved from
https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/feptechcomm/chapter/4-graphics-visuals/