PowerPoint Chart: 8 Types of Relationships

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Discover a simple way to choose the right type of PowerPoint chart and convey your message effectively.

Most relationships between objects can be categorized into one of the 8 common types. They are:

  1. Hierarchy
  2. Cause and effect
  3. Flow
  4. Part – whole
    These first 4 relatioships were covered in Part 1This article explores the following 4 relationships:
  5. Compare and Contrast
  6. Filters and funnels
  7. Matrix and
  8. List

We will explore these 4 relationships in this part. Like we did in the first part, we’ll use 5 random objects – A, B, C, D and E and define their relationships to grasp the basic idea quickly.

5. Compare and Contrast:

PowerPoint Chart Compare

This relationship depicts evaluation of options. For example, in the above chart, there are 5 factors with varying values. Each factor impacts the position of the scale positively or negatively.

A common representation of this type of relationship is PowerPoint balance or PowerPoint scales. Here are some variations that compare and contrast options:

Pros and Cons PowerPoint Diagram Templates

Source: Pros and Cons from Charts & Diagrams CEO Pack

The Yin Yang shows a contrasting yet supporting relationship. Thumb up, thumbs down options show the factors for and against an idea.

Charts in PowerPoint Dos and Donts

The balance shows evaluation of positives and negatives. Text boxes with dos and don’ts give directions.

Do your objects have ‘compare and contrast’ relationship? If yes, explore the exact nature of the relationship to create an effective PowerPoint chart.

Related: Tutorial to create Balance

6. Filters and Funnels

Funnel PowerPoint Chart

In this relationship, there are inputs and outputs. Outputs may not be the same as inputs. For example, in the above chart – A, B and C are retained in the funnel, while D and E pass through.

There may be a number of variations in the filtering process. Take a look at some examples:

Funnel and Filter Diagrams in PowerPoint

Source: Funnel Diagrams – Charts & Diagrams CEO Pack

These type of diagrams are usually used to represent sales prospecting, recruitment process, sales pipeline etc.

Is there a ‘filtering or funneling’ relationship in the objects you are trying to define? Then, choose a chart type that depicts the specific relationship.

Related: PowerPoint Filter Tutorial

7. Matrix

Matrix chart in PowerPoint

A matrix is used for initial sorting of qualitative data based on a set of parameters. Matrix relationship is used extensively by consultants. There are a whole lot of well-known matrix diagrams like SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, BCG analysis etc.

In the above relationship – A, B, C and D are four quadrants of a 2X2 matrix.Take a look at some variations here:

Matric Charts for PowerPoint CEO Pack

Source: Matrix Charts |PowerPoint CEO Pack

A decision matrix uses multiple parameters to help you make a decision.

However, not all matrix diagrams are deep and complex. In fact, even a simple PowerPoint table shows matrix relationship:

Study your objects closely and define their specific matrix relationship.

8. List Relationship

This is the simplest of relationships. A list is nothing but a collection of related items.

List Option PowerPoint

In the above chart, A, B, C, D and E represent a simple sequence of alphabets.

Sometimes a list can capture much deeper relationship between objects. For example, in the following example, we used a list to capture timeline and project roadmap.

Timeline Chart in PowerPoint

Source: PowerPoint Timelines from CEO Pack

Sometimes, a list could be a set of options to choose from or a set of outcomes of an idea.

Chart list diagram CEO Pack

Don’t use lists as the default option to tie up objects. Explore your options carefully to express the exact nature of the relationship.

Conclusion about PowerPoint Chart:

Knowing the exact nature of relationship helps you in choosing the right chart.

The charts used as examples to explain the relationship are part of our CEO PowerPoint diagram templates pack. The pack has more than 750 unique and fully editable PowerPoint charts to help you capture any visual relationship you need in a quick and precise way.

The diagrams included in the pack go far beyond the basic relationships. They help you capture even the subtle shades in relationship accurately.

Related:  5 Tips for Better PowerPoint Diagrams

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