With so many ways to present data these days, a presentation needs to more than simply share great ideas - it needs to support the data with credible data. Knowing how to develop and deliver a presentation is a crucial skill for many professionals since the presentation backed by data becomes more compelling. But remember, data alone doesn't guarantee a good presentation and what matters is the way it is presented.
There are many programs besides Powerpoint that are available today, Prezi, Canva, Visme, Haiku Deck, etc. How you present data make all the difference and consider these seven steps to enhance your impact with the presentation.
Make sure the data can be seen
This may seem obvious, but what is readable on the laptop may not be so when projected on the screen. Rehearse your presentation with colleagues sitting in a similar position and ensure they can see the presentation.
Focus most on the points your data illustrates
Data is a tool that strengthens your impact but is of no use until you apply it purposefully. Explain how your data supports your major points and don't leave that to the interpretation of the audience. The slides on data are really about the meaning of data. make the meaning of data clear to the audience else they will not even begin to understand your viewpoint.
Share only one major point on each chart
The quickest way to confuse the audience is to share too many details at once. The only data point you should share are the ones that support your viewpoint and then only one per slide. If you have several points to be presented consider presenting on different charts.
Label the chart components clearly
You may have been working on the charts for days/ months but your audience looks at it for a few seconds to understand the same. Use simple clear language to label the chart, avoid abbreviations, and don't assume the labeling will be remembered in the following slides.
Visually highlight important points
Every valuable chart has an important point that's crucial to your point. The best presenters explain the relevance, write it on the slide as a bullet point, and visually highlight by circling it o differentiated colors to reach the audience.
Write a slide title that reinforces the data point
The page title is the first thing that the audience sees and hence it must be used to emphasize your data point. This will prepare the audience for what is coming in the slide and further reinforce your point.
Present to your audience, not to your data
Many presenters look at the slides while presenting as though that is the audience. But your audience is elsewhere, and so look at your audience when presenting and not your slides. They remain attentive and absorb your points only when you look them directly and not show your back. Glance at your slides for reference but make critical points directly to the audience.
When presented clearly and pointedly, data can increase your credibility and trustworthiness. presenting data poorly damages your reputation and you have wasted an opportunity to make a difference. Remember, it is a powerful tool to draw out important truths and so wield it wisely.
By Joel Schwartsberg HBR Feb 2020
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