Presenting data can be daunting, even for the most experienced professionals. After all, how do you turn rows of information into an engaging and memorable presentation that communicates the key insights? Unfortunately, many presentations focus too much on knowledge and not enough on presenting it in a compelling, easy-to-understand, and actionable way. In this blog post, I will give tips to help you prepare a data presentation that stands out and delivers the desired results.

Start with the Objective

Before you even open PowerPoint or Excel, sit down, and ask yourself what you want your audience to do with the information you’re presenting. Are you hoping to increase sales, drive more clicks, or influence behavior change? Having a clear objective, you can build a presentation to achieve that goal. This can help you focus on the most critical pieces of data and ensure that each slide supports the overall objective.

Keep it Simple

When it comes to data presentations, less is often more. Try to make your slides as simple as possible. Avoid cluttering your display with unnecessary details, graphics, and animations. Instead, focus on the essential information that your audience needs to understand. Use a clear, crisp font and minimal colors to keep your presentation clean and readable.

When data is presented clearly and concisely, it is easier for the audience to understand the key points and takeaways.

Tell a Story

One of the most effective ways to engage your audience is to tell a story with your data. Use real-world examples, anecdotes, and data visualizations to help your audience connect with your presentation information. By weaving a narrative, you can create an emotional connection with your audience, which can help them remember the data far better than a list of numbers or bullet points.

Focus on Actionable Insights

Data can be overwhelming, and trying and covering everything in one presentation can be tempting. However, this approach is unlikely to produce the results you’re looking for. Instead, focus on the most actionable insights your audience can immediately act on. Use your data to highlight specific areas for improvement or opportunities for growth, and provide clear, actionable steps that your audience can take to achieve their goals.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, when it comes to presenting data, practice is essential. Schedule a few run-throughs before the presentation to overcome jitters or technical issues. Be sure to time yourself so you don’t run over on presentation day. Practicing can also help you identify gaps in your presentation and refine it further to be as flat and effective as possible.

Whether you’re hoping to influence your team, your boss, or a group of stakeholders, presenting data can be a real challenge. But by following these expert tips, you can create a clear, concise, and compelling presentation that engages your audience and drives results. Remember to focus on your objective, keep it simple, tell a story, highlight actionable insights, and practice, practice, practice. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a data presentation that genuinely stands out.