Now that you have been introduced to the six categories of messages, here's how you can learn to choose the best visual for your message.

First, get really clear on what message you are communicating. Check out the section on writing a headline for your slide.

Second, select the message category that best fits what you are communicating.

Third, determine the specific messages in that category that matches what you need to communicate.

Finally, explore the visuals for that specific message, select the visual that works for your message, and create it in Excel or PowerPoint.

Use this process each time you need to present financial results or analysis and you will soon have a better understanding of what visuals you can use to communicate more effectively.