How to present data in an interesting, understandable and effective way

There are many occasions (and reasons) when data of some sort needs to be presented to other people. This might be “formally”, e.g. via an actual presentation, or more “informally” as part of something more akin to a meeting. Regardless of the occasion, reason or “formality”, though, for the data to be presented effectively, it needs to be done so in a way that actually achieves the intended goals of the session, whatever they might be.

Unfortunately, some things can often get in the way of this effectiveness:

• data (and presenting data as well) is perceived as being boring
• audiences don’t understand what the data means and what they therefore need to do with it
• the thought of presenting data is daunting and stressful and so it is not done with confidence

The goal of this workshop is therefore to address these issues by focussing on the knowledge and skills required to help participants to present data in a way that’s interesting and understandable for their audience. This then helps to ensure that their audience will have a clear idea of the insights associated with the data and that they will therefore know what the corresponding actions will be. By doing so, it is much more likely that the goals for presenting that data will be achieved and so, ultimately, it will be effective.

In addition, because the participant knows that they will be presenting that data in an interesting, understandable and action-focussed way, when it comes to delivering it, they will do so with more confidence and less stress than before.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• get better results when they present data in the future
• describe the core principles associated with effective presentation of data
• present data in a way that their audience will find interesting
• ensure that their audience knows what the data means to, and for, them
• focus on the actions associated with those data insights to make sure that the audience knows what needs to be done
• choose data visuals appropriately to aid understanding
• apply data visuals best practices for increased clarity and focus
• adjust their approach accordingly for “formal” or “informal” styles of delivery
• describe how to adapt the presentation of their data for report purposes
• present data more confidently in the future

The workshop is very participatory in nature allowing participants to learn with, and from, each other. This increased level of interaction aids understanding and learning whilst also addressing one of the underpinning objectives of the workshop in that it should be fun!

Whilst technology will be mentioned during the workshop, the workshop itself has been specifically designed to be technology-free for participants, ensuring that the focus is on the learning and its application and that this is not hampered by technical issues or differences.

The workshop is also very practical in nature as it is designed with a focus on how the participants can put their new knowledge and skills into practice straightaway. Participants will reflect on this during the day and create a personalised action plan for when they present data to others in the future.

The workshop would potentially be applicable to, and beneficial for, anyone who answers “Yes” to any of the following questions:

• Do you present data to other people?
• Do you review data and its findings with other people?
• Do you lead conversations about data in meetings?
• Would you like to be more confident when you present data in the future?
• Would you like to be less stressed about the prospect of presenting data to others?
• Are your data presentations lacking impact and confidence?
• Would you like your future presentations of data to be more interesting for your audience (and for you)?
• Would you like people to look forward to when you present data to them?
• Would you like to look forward to presenting data?
• Do you struggle to explain your data in a way that your audience understands?
• Do you need to explain technical data to people who don’t understand it?
• Do you need to present data visuals that other people have created?
• Do you create data visuals that other people then need to present?
• Would you like to know how to create uncluttered data visuals that your audience can easily understand?
• Do you want to get better results when you present data in the future?
• Do you need to use data to motivate people to take action?
• Would you like to present data in a more convincing way?
• Would you like to use your data to help to make a difference?
• Would you like to ensure that your audience knows what they need to do with the findings from your data analysis?
• Would you like to be able to use your data to win more clients?
• Are you losing clients because of poor data?
• Would you like to be able to use your data to retain more clients?
• Would you like to provide a better service to your clients through the data that you present to them?
• Would you like to find out about proven approaches on how to present data effectively?
• Would you like to share your ideas with more clarity?

Host or Publisher Intercog Ltd