How do you measure the impact of your statistic on your speech outcomes?

1 Define your speech outcomes

Before you choose a statistic to support your message, you need to define what you want to achieve with your speech. What is the main purpose of your speech? Who is your target audience? What do you want them to think, feel, or do after listening to you? These are some of the questions that can help you clarify your speech outcomes and align them with your statistic.

2 Choose a relevant and credible statistic

Once you have defined your speech outcomes, you need to choose a statistic that is relevant and credible for your topic and audience. A relevant statistic is one that directly relates to your main point and supports your argument. A credible statistic is one that comes from a reliable and trustworthy source and is accurate and up-to-date. You should also avoid using too many or too complex statistics that might confuse or overwhelm your audience.

3 Explain and interpret your statistic

A statistic by itself is not enough to persuade or inform your audience. You need to explain and interpret your statistic in a way that makes it clear and meaningful for them. You can do this by providing context, comparison, contrast, or implication for your statistic. For example, you can compare your statistic to a familiar or surprising benchmark, contrast it with a different or opposite scenario, or show how it affects or benefits your audience.

4 Engage your audience with your statistic

A statistic can also help you engage your audience and make your speech more memorable and impactful. You can do this by using storytelling, visualization, emotion, or humor to present your statistic. For example, you can tell a personal or anecdotal story that illustrates your statistic, use a chart, graph, image, or metaphor to visualize your statistic, appeal to your audience's values, feelings, or interests with your statistic, or use a joke, irony, or exaggeration to make your statistic more interesting.

5 Evaluate your speech outcomes

After you deliver your speech, you need to evaluate whether your statistic helped you achieve your speech outcomes. You can do this by collecting feedback, data, or evidence from your audience or other sources. For example, you can ask your audience to fill out a survey, quiz, or evaluation form, measure the change in their knowledge, attitude, or behavior, or track the results or actions that followed your speech. You can then use this information to improve your speech and statistic for future occasions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?