Hi,

You can use the following approach:

1. Take a minute to look at the graph
2. Read the graph title
3. Look at the graph type and define the type (pie chart, line chart, etc)
4. Look at the legend (ask for clarifying questions if necessary)
5. Identify whats going on on the graph. Look for: Trends, % structures,
6. Look for unusual things (consultants love to integrate these traps in charts) - correlations, outliers, etc
7. Make 3-4 conclusions from the graph. Think of potential hypothesis on what could be the root cause / what are the consequences
8. Prioritize the most important for your current analysis and move forward with the case

Sources to learn from (prioritized):

1. Study "Say it with Charts" book by Barbara Minto
2. Learn basic statistics (Any GMAT or MBA prep guides)
3. Check all available MBB presentations and publications. Practice to derive conclusions and check yourself with the actual ones from the article / presentation
4. GMAT IR part (Official guide and Manhattan prep)
5. "Consulting Bible" and "Vault guide for consulting" - check the chapters on cases with graphs in these books

Good luck!

Dear A,

I recommend you to use the following approach:

To interpret a graph or chart, read the title, look at the key, read the labels. Then study the graph to understand what it shows.

Read the title of the graph or chart. The title tells what information is being displayed.

Look at the key, which typically is in a box next to the graph or chart. It will explain the symbols and colors used in the graph or chart

Read the labels of the graph or chart. The labels tell you what variables or parameters are being displayed.

Draw conclusions based on the data. You can reach conclusions faster with graphs than you can use a data table or a written description of the data.
To practice all these bullets GMAT Integrated Reasoning questions help you a lot!

Let me add something to the other coaches' answers.

Most candidates tend to just mention what seems to be most relevant. So they are pointing to something that is meaningful, but then they just say whatever the slide/graph/chart says.

That's not the objective. The objective is to connect that with the goal you want to achieve / decision you want to make.

If I show a graph where segment X is growing, I don't expect you do say the segment is growing. I expect you to say what is the implication of that. Is is good or bad for the company? Is is worse vs. the competitors? Does it support the investment thesis?

A lot of times candidates are thinking about this, but they don't say it. But if you don't say it, the interviewer doesn't know what you are thinking.

Remember, you ALWAYS have to link the slide/chart to the objective of the case. ALWAYS!