5 Steps To Making A Good Data Presentation
When data is properly explained that is when you create information. If you are about to give a presentation requiring you to introduce pieces of data, you should realize that it is your job to create that meaningful information and not just to run through the numbers. Contrary to popular opinion, the data never speaks for itself. If that were true then you would not even need to be present. If you want to know best to make a good data presentation then read on.
Instructions
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1
Data Should Always Compliment Your Main Presentation
Remember to never make your whole presentation about the data. Don’t get bogged down with having to explain a truckload of numbers or statistics . State your point and use data (one or two statistics will usually do) to simply back it up. No need to roll out an entire datasheet and pull out all the statistical analysis you can possibly apply in your given scenario, it’s a presentation remember not an advanced mathematics class. If you say the price of oil decreased from A to B, simply show the figures to indicate this decrease. -
2
Use The Right Graphs
Always use the right graph to display your data. For example when presenting data over a period of time, it is best to use a line graph to clearly show the highs and lows. Many graphs are available for your use. It also helps to label and use bright colors to display and highlight your information. Don’t forget to scale your graph to a size that will make it easy for your audience to quickly see the point you are trying to make. -
3
Use Relevant Information
You are going to want to use only information that is very relevant to your topic and avoid less relevant figures. We are not omitting facts here; we just want to give a streamlined and direct narrative your audience can quickly grasp. -
4
Be Mindful Of Your Audience
This is very important, always tailor your presentations to suit your audience. The last thing you should aim for is leave your audience disinterested or confused at the end of your presentation. If you are presenting for a specialized audience by all means throw in your numbers, if you are speaking generally, summarize and be precise. But at the end of the day what all audiences love is a good narrative, so blend your data with brief analysis to create a narrative the audience can easily understand. -
5
Highlight Key Information
Do not rely on a pointer or laser light alone to draw the attention of your audience to specific data during your presentation. With software such as Ms PowerPoint, you can easily highlight, circle, underline or draw connecting lines to draw attention to a single piece of data or bring out a series of data you wish to expound on.
