Public Speaking - Using Statistics Successfully

Inexperienced speakers often believe that filling their presentations full of numbers will increase their credibility. However, this tactic often has the opposite effect. Many people find numbers difficult to interpret and will start to lose focus when a presentation is packed with statistical data.

Successful speakers use numbers sparingly in their presentations. Even if you have compiled a long list of statistics, you do not need to include all of this research into your presentation. For example, dates are unnecessary unless the date indicates one of your presentation’s key points. It is also a good idea to avoid including numbers that duplicate information. If you are telling the audience that your company increased earnings by 75 percent last year, you do not need to mention that last year’s earnings were $2,689,456,888.

Since it is often necessary to include numbers in your presentation, it is a good idea to learn how to effectively use statistics to support your conclusions. Any statistic that you choose to use in your presentation should support your goal of conveying useful and accurate information. For example, if you are discussing the need for increased physical education in your local public school’s curriculum, it is not helpful to say that children in the United States see over 200,000 commercials by the time they reach the age of 18. In any public speaking activity, your responsibility is to be clear, relevant, and meaningful.

Successful presentations use numbers ethically. Contrary to popular belief, statistics are not black and white. For example, whenever unemployment statistics are released, you can expect to hear opposing political parties give completely opposite interpretations of the same data. When negotiating salaries with workers, employers may use average industry salaries that are skewed by the earnings of top executives instead of median salaries that reflect the true earning potential of the average employee. When you are using statistics in your presentations, do not use them as a way to obscure the truth.

Successful presentations choose accurate data from unbiased and reliable sources. A study examining whether or not over-consumption of junk food leads to obesity is not reliable if a manufacturer of sugary snacks and treats conducted the study. Statistics from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, or the American Medical Association would be much more reliable choices for this type of presentation. Since research in many fields changes on a regular basis, it is also a good idea to use the most current statistics you can find to support your conclusions. If you are not certain a statistic is accurate, verify the information before using it in your presentation.

Successful presentations use numbers in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Instead of saying that employee retention rates increased by 46 percent from 2000-2005, they say that retention rates rose by approximately 50 percent in a five year time period. Instead of saying that the company earned a $1,001,789 profit from the sale of Product X, they tell the audience that last year’s profit for Product X was over $1,000,000. Simplifying your data in this manner makes it easier for your audience to comprehend your message without sacrificing overall accuracy.

Successful presentations use numbers clearly. A person with extensive public speaking experience knows that audiences need assistance comprehending the meaning of statistical data. They use theme and repetition to draw attention to numbers that are key components of the presentation. For example, while giving a presentation celebrating the 25th anniversary of a local charitable organization, they frequently emphasize this number with phrases such as “Our group started with fewer than 25 volunteers” or “We’ve seen many changes in the last 25 years.”

Successful presentations use statistics in a visually appealing way. The average adult finds it difficult to remember numbers that are part of a verbal presentation. Visual aids for public speaking are crucial if you plan to include statistical data in your presentation. Pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and scatter plots can help your audience comprehend the key concepts of your speech. These types of visual aids can be quickly created with Microsoft Word or PowerPoint software. Color and attractive font choices can be used to add additional impact to your message.
Public Speaking - Adding Humor to Your Presentations