Referring to this chart

You usually drop this phrase right before you explain a specific trend or data point. It works best when you are actually pointing at something or sharing your screen. Start your sentence with the phrase to set the stage. For example: Referring to this chart, you can see our growth doubled in June. Use a small pause after saying it. This gives people a second to find the chart. If you are using a physical poster, make sure you actually touch or gesture toward the chart. On a slide, use your mouse cursor to circle the important area. It is all about timing and coordination. If you say it but do not show anything, you will look a bit silly. Keep your voice steady and confident when you use it.

This is a solid formal to neutral expression. You will hear it in boardrooms, university lectures, and professional webinars. It is the "business casual" of transitions. It is too stiff for a chat with friends about your fitness app. However, it is perfect for a job interview or a project update. It shows you respect the data and your audience's time. In very formal settings, like a scientific conference, it is the standard way to introduce evidence. In a more relaxed office setting, you might shorten it to Looking at this chart. But if you want to sound like the smartest person in the room, keep the full version. It adds a layer of polish to your presentation style. It says, "I am a pro who knows my numbers."

You will see this in action during Apple’s product launches. When Tim Cook shows a graph of chip performance, he uses versions of this. It is also common in YouTube tutorials that explain stock market trends or crypto prices. Think of a travel vlogger showing a budget breakdown on screen. They might say, Referring to this chart, you’ll see where we spent most of our money. It pops up in LinkedIn videos where creators share their monthly reach statistics. Even on news broadcasts, the weather reporter uses it (mentally) while pointing at the green screen. It is the bread and butter of anyone who uses data to tell a story. If there is a graph involved, this phrase is usually nearby.

Use it when the data is complex and needs a guide. If your chart has more than three lines, your audience needs help. Use it when you want to prove a point that seems hard to believe. Visual evidence makes your argument stronger. Use it during transitions between different parts of your presentation. It helps reset the audience's attention span. It is great for Q&A sessions too. If someone asks a tough question, point back to your data. Say, Referring to this chart, the answer becomes quite clear. This buys you time to think while they look at the screen. It is also helpful in written reports when you place a graph next to text.

Do not use it if there is no actual chart visible. That sounds like you are hallucinating or forgot to click "share screen." Avoid using it for very simple things that do not need an explanation. If you have a picture of a cat, do not say Referring to this chart. Just say, "Look at this cat." Do not over-use it. If you say it five times in two minutes, you will sound like a broken robot. Avoid it in casual texts or Demos where things are obvious. If you are showing a friend a photo of your lunch, this phrase is way too formal. Also, if the chart is too small for anyone to read, pointing to it just highlights the problem.

Many people confuse refer and reference. Just remember that referring is an action you are doing right now. It is active and engaging. Some people also forget to actually show the chart, which is like pointing at an invisible ghost. Make sure the visual is ready before you speak the words.

You can mix it up to avoid sounding repetitive. Looking at this graph is a bit more relaxed and modern. As you can see from this table is great for detailed data. If you want to be very direct, try Notice how this chart shows.... In the UK, you might hear Turning our attention to this chart. On social media, people often just say Check the chart below. If you are in a rush, This chart illustrates... works perfectly. For a more academic vibe, use As illustrated in this figure. Each variation changes the flavor slightly. Referring to this chart remains the most balanced and reliable choice for any professional setting. It is the "little black dress" of presentation phrases.

Is it okay for a Zoom call? Yes, it is actually better because it helps remote viewers stay focused. Can I use it in an email? Absolutely, it works well when you attach a PDF or image. Is it better than Look at this? Yes, it sounds more educated and professional. Does it work for pie charts? Yes, it works for any visual data like bar graphs or tables. What if the chart is on the next slide? Say, "Moving to the next slide and referring to this chart..." Should I say "the" or "this"? Use "this" if you are pointing at it right now. Does it sound old-fashioned? Not at all, it is a timeless corporate standard. Is it okay for academic writing? Yes, it is very common in research papers. Can I use it for a map? Usually, people say "Referring to this map," but "chart" can work in some contexts.