PowerFrameworks advocates against the use of legends whenever possible. The first choice should always be to place all necessary descriptive and identifying information within/next to the chart rather than in a legend.

Notice that the labels for the column segment rows are on the left side of the chart, centered on each segment – not in a legend. Notice also that the callout on the right side of the blue segment row explains the blue highlighting – not a legend. This is a kinder way to present information because your audience does not have to work so hard to identify each segment or its significance.

The slide below contains two data-driven charts, each with repetitive groups of data (grouped bars). The legend, therefore, is a better choice because it reduces the clutter on the slide.

When it is appropriate to use a legend, refrain from using the legend generated within Microsoft Graph or Excel. The application-generated legend takes up too much prime real estate on a slide. Instead, opt for placing legends in a static position on your slides – upper right corner is always good. This promotes consistency and continuity within the presentation, which are characteristics of a professionally produced presentation.