When you first step into the world of data analytics, you're faced with a fundamental dilemma: "Should I use a circular Pie Chart or a linear Bar Chart?" It seems like a simple aesthetic choice, but in reality, this decision determines whether your audience understands your message in seconds or gets lost in a sea of confusing shapes and colors. In this post, I'll share my professional journey—including the mistakes I’ve made and the "Aha!" moments—to help you master the art of chart selection. Table of Contents 1. Why Chart Selection is the Soul of Data Storytelling 2. The Gospel of Pie Charts: When 'The Whole' Matters Most 3. The Power of Bar Charts: The King of Comparison 4. A Real-World Case Study: Lessons from a Failed Report 5. Comparison vs. Composition Framework 6. Conclusion: Data Visualization is an Act of Empathy 1. Preface: Why Chart Selection is the Soul of Data Storytelling When I started as a junior data critic, I was obsessed with ...