When it comes to data presentation, bright colors and fancy fonts won’t reap the audience reaction you’re hoping for. The art is in achieving visually appealing and sensible data simultaneously. Achieving these two together, can be quite the challenge. Let’s help you out!
Good data presentation involves the use of various techniques such as graphs and charts, tables and text. Utilizing these techniques in the correct way can be helpful in providing an easier way to identify and understand patterns and trends in the data being presented.
Earlier this week, on our Instagram page, we discussed some do’s and don’ts for data presentation. Here's a quick link to our post in case you missed it: https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7v8XBBSs3/?igshid=184rtb6lkvx73
Here are some other mistakes commonly made when presenting data.
● Small fonts: when putting the presentation together it’s pertinent to consider visibility. Quite simply put, one person may have been running late and could only grab a seat at the very back of the room. They are present which means they want to be able to see the data too but, your super tiny font (while really cute) just became a huge barrier. As the presenter, it’s up to you remove that unnecessary barrier. This is definitely not the time for curly, fancy calligraphy. Choose a font type that’s simple and a font size that’s legible.
● Reading from the presentation: Confidence in the data you are presenting shows preparedness and makes the viewers have assurance in your data as well. Put conclusion points on your presentation - learn and understand explaining those points. After all, the assumption is that you are presenting your own work. You already know it! Taking a quick glance at key points is definitely acceptable but reading the same words that your audience can already read – that’s a no-no.
● Lack of images: In our Instagram post, we mentioned the use of tables, text in point form and graphs but images that are directly connected to the topic of your presentation can definitely strum an emotional chord. Get creative…and, if you don’t have a creative bone in your body just find a colleague who does – this is definitely an opportunity to collaborate. Your aim with presenting data findings is to connect with your viewers and keep them interested. This is surely one way to achieve this
● Present from start to finish with no interactive activity: Ice breakers, ice breakers, ice breakers! They are certainly useful. Now we know you mean business when you start presenting but it’s comforting to your audience to be introduced to a quick activity at the beginning, during or at the end of the presentation. Whether it be a fun way to see who was paying attention, a quick game before the presentation begins or a guessing game to answer a point you’re discussing in the next slide. Choose one that works and go for it! Fuel your creativity here, keep them in tuned!
The key in all of this is ensuring that our data is received with the same level of enthusiasm and interest we had we developed our programme questions and designs and launched on the quest for answers. Channel your creativity, engage your audience, meet them where they are and reel them in.
Kommentarer