Select a chart based on the question instead of choosing one because it looks impressive.
The core idea
Bar charts compare categories, line charts show change over ordered time, scatter plots show relationships between numeric variables, and histograms show distributions. The chart should make the intended comparison easy to see.
A practical way to approach it
Write the question in one sentence, identify the data types, choose the simplest suitable chart, label units and axes, and remove decorative clutter. Show sample size or uncertainty when it affects interpretation.
Try it in a small project
Use a public dataset to create a bar chart of category totals and a line chart of values over time. Ask a reader what conclusion they see before explaining it.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid truncated axes that exaggerate differences, too many colors, and implying causation from a visual correlation.
Key takeaway
Keep the first version small, make your assumptions explicit, and verify the result with a repeatable test. For production use, check the current official documentation for the tools and versions you choose.