r4ds/communicate.Rmd

# (PART) Communicate {-}

# Introduction {#communicate-intro}

So far, you've learned the tools to get your data into R, tidy it into a form convenient for analysis, and then understand your data through transformation, visualisation and modelling. However, it doesn't matter how great your analysis is unless you can explain it to others: you need to __communicate__ your results.

```{r echo = FALSE, out.width = "75%"}
knitr::include_graphics("diagrams/data-science-communicate.png")
```

Communication is the theme of the following four chapters:

* In [R Markdown], you will learn about R Markdown, a tool for integrating
  prose, code, and results. You can use R Markdown in notebook mode for 
  analyst-to-analyst communication, and in report mode for 
  analyst-to-decision-maker communication. Thanks to the power of R Markdown
  formats, you can even use the same document for both purposes.
  
* In [Graphics for communication], you will learn how to take your exploratory
  graphics and turn them into expository graphics, graphics that help the
  newcomer to your analysis understand what's going on as quickly and 
  easily as possible.
  
* In [R Markdown formats], you'll learn a little about the many other varieties
  of outputs you can produce using R Markdown, including dashboards, websites,
  and books.
  
* We'll finish up with [R Markdown workflow], where you'll learn about the
  "analysis notebook" and how to systematically record your successes and 
  failures so that you can learn from them.

Unfortunately, these chapters focus mostly on the technical mechanics of communication, not the really hard problems of communicating your thoughts to other humans. However, there are lot of other great books about communication, which we'll point you to at the end of each chapter.