Statistics and data are powerful tools that can help enhance your presentation, build credibility, prove theories, and ultimately drive results. By incorporating statistics and data, you can provide evidence to support your arguments, prove your points, and persuade the audience to take action. That said, many presenters make the mistake of submerging their audience in data, and it becomes overwhelming and confusing. When presenting data and statistics, remember to present it in a way that is comprehensible to viewers. To help you achieve that, here are some tips on how to present statistics and data more effectively in your presentation.
1. Identity the Main Points
You don’t want to present data just for the sake of showing data. The key is to know when and how to present data. Before you begin preparing your presentation, take time to consider your main points and spend time researching relevant data. Identify key statistics and important data that support those main points and then focus on incorporating just that information into your presentation.
2. Present Data Clearly
When presenting data and statistics, it is important to present it in a clear and organized manner so it is easier for the audience to understand. Don’t overload your audience with too much data, but rather stick to data that is pertinent to your main points. Use charts, graphs, tables, and other visual aids to help illustrate your points and present data in a clear and digestible way.
3. Provide Context
When presenting data and statistics, it is important to provide context so the data becomes meaningful to the audience. Explain the relevance of your data through stories and personal experiences. This will help connect your audience to the data and help them understand how it relates to your topic.
4. Support Your Arguments
One of the best reasons for using statistics and data in your presentation is to support your arguments and back up your claims. It is one thing to make a claim, but your claim has real impact when you can support it with concrete evidence. Using statistics and data will help you build a more credible argument and help you persuade your audience to take action.
5. Keep it Simple
There are countless tools available to help you create visuals for your presentation, but remember that when it comes to presenting data, simplicity does the trick. Choose graphics that are simple and easy to understand so as not to confuse and overwhelm your audience. Choose matching color schemes, use text sparingly, and make sure your numbers and graphics are formatted clearly.