Learn how to plan, design, and present your data analysis effectively and efficiently. Follow these tips to know your audience, define your purpose, structure your presentation, and more.

This is critical. A lot of times business teams might not understand too many technical terms. While they may be cool, but it does not serve the need. Hence, its very crucial to choose your words/terms based on the audience

Analysis results are as good as the input data set, so always mention the data source. It adds a layer of trust to your findings. The second thing that I like to add is to use simple graphics which is familiar to the audience. Simultaneously listening and understanding a complicated chart takes a toll on the limited cognitive capacity. The third thing I would like to add is to state the critical point of the graph clearly. The audience knows where to look and what the chart is trying to say.

Last updated on Aug 12, 2024

How do you prepare and deliver your data analysis presentation efficiently?

Data analysis is a valuable skill, but it is not enough to just crunch the numbers. You also need to communicate your findings and recommendations to your audience in a clear and engaging way. A data analysis presentation is a common format for sharing your insights, but it can also be challenging and time-consuming to prepare and deliver. How do you make sure your presentation is efficient, effective, and memorable? Here are some tips to help you plan, design, and present your data analysis with confidence.

1 Know your audience

Before you start working on your presentation, you need to understand who you are talking to and what they expect from you. Your audience may have different backgrounds, levels of expertise, interests, and goals. You need to tailor your presentation to suit their needs and preferences. For example, you may need to explain some technical terms or concepts to a non-technical audience, or focus on the business implications and action steps for a decision-making audience. You also need to consider how your audience will receive your presentation, whether it is live, recorded, or online, and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Add your perspective

Krishnakanth Narapusetty

Data Science, Machine Learning & AI
Report contribution
This is critical. A lot of times business teams might not understand too many technical terms. While they may be cool, but it does not serve the need. Hence, its very crucial to choose your words/terms based on the audience

Like
Sumit Kumar

Strategy & Ops Consultant
(edited)
Report contribution
A few things that I found helpful are asking why this presentation exists. The purpose could be to communicate information or to present an idea. Slide content and delivery should be aligned with audience needs. For example CEO is interested in big picture (revenue and cost impacts) whereas managers are more interested in knowing how this will impact their vertical.

Like
Phanikishore N

Solutions Engineer/Data Warehousing/ETL/Snowflake/AWS/Pyspark
Report contribution
From what I've seen, this is absolutely crucial. Your material may end up confusing your target audience and failing to meet their needs if you aren't aware of who you're preseting for.

Like
Seth Amegatse

Scada Project engineer at Electricity Company of Ghana Limited
Report contribution
The goal of well delivered presentation is to deliver the content to the audience without any shadow of doubts in their minds and to enable them to relate to what is being presented easily. To achieve this goal, the presenter must use simply but relevant terms which are not too technical. Specifically, with data analysis it is advisable to use visuals like graphs, charts etc. to communicate to audience. Also ensure that your presentation is not boring in order engage their attention fully.

Like

2 Define your purpose

Once you know your audience, you need to define the purpose of your presentation. What is the main message or question you want to convey or answer? What are the key takeaways or recommendations you want your audience to remember or act on? Your purpose should be clear, concise, and relevant to your audience. It should also guide your data analysis process and presentation structure. You should avoid presenting irrelevant or excessive data that does not support your purpose, or confuse or overwhelm your audience.

Add your perspective

3 Structure your presentation

Presenting your data analysis in a well-structured format can help you communicate it effectively. A typical structure includes an introduction, data analysis, conclusion, and Q&A. Introduce yourself, your topic, and your purpose. Provide some context for your data analysis, and explain why it is significant or captivating for your audience. Then, present your data analysis methods, results, and interpretations with visual aids such as charts, graphs, or tables to emphasize the key findings or trends. Explain how your data analysis answers your main question or supports your main message. Summarize your main findings and recommendations in the conclusion by emphasizing the implications and benefits of your data analysis for your audience. Additionally, provide some limitations or challenges of your data analysis and suggest directions for future research or action. Finally, invite your audience to ask questions or share feedback. Prepare some answers or responses for possible questions or objections. Thank them for their attention and participation.

Add your perspective

4 Design your presentation

The design of your presentation has a major influence on how your audience perceives and remembers your data analysis. To ensure a consistent and professional style, use clear and simple language that avoids jargon, acronyms, or ambiguity. When creating your presentation, consider using a template or theme that reflects your topic and brand. Additionally, choose a color scheme, font, and layout that are easy to read and visually appealing. When it comes to animations, transitions, or effects, use them sparingly to avoid distracting or annoying your audience. Visual aids are also important for enhancing your data analysis. Select the appropriate type and format of visual aids such as charts, graphs, or tables that suit your data and message. Include labels, titles, legends, and captions to explain your visual aids. Utilize colors, shapes, and sizes to emphasize or contrast data points. However, avoid using too many visual aids or ones that are too small as they may clutter or reduce the effect of your presentation. Lastly, utilize bullet points to organize the text with short and simple sentences that convey one idea per bullet. Incorporate keywords, phrases, or questions to captivate the interest of your audience. Avoid using long or complex sentences as they may bore or confuse them.

Add your perspective

Sumit Kumar

Strategy & Ops Consultant
Report contribution
Analysis results are as good as the input data set, so always mention the data source. It adds a layer of trust to your findings. The second thing that I like to add is to use simple graphics which is familiar to the audience. Simultaneously listening and understanding a complicated chart takes a toll on the limited cognitive capacity. The third thing I would like to add is to state the critical point of the graph clearly. The audience knows where to look and what the chart is trying to say.

Like

5 Practice your presentation

Practicing your presentation is essential to improve your confidence and performance. You should practice several times before the actual delivery, and get feedback from others if possible. It's also important to practice in a similar setting and mode as the real one, and use the same equipment and tools. When practicing, time yourself to adjust your content and pace accordingly. Aim to finish within the allotted time, and leave some time for Q&A. Check your pronunciation and tone, speaking clearly and loudly enough for your audience to hear and understand you. Use a friendly and enthusiastic tone that shows your passion and credibility, avoiding a monotone or nervous tone that may bore or undermine your audience. Anticipate questions and objections, preparing answers or responses for possible questions or objections about your data analysis or recommendations. Practice how to handle unexpected or difficult questions or situations, such as technical glitches, interruptions, or disagreements.

Add your perspective

6 Deliver your presentation

The final step is to deliver your presentation to your audience. You should be prepared, confident, and professional, and try to engage and persuade your audience with your data analysis. To do this, make eye contact with your audience and use positive body language, such as gestures, posture, and facial expressions. You can also use humor and stories to make your presentation more interesting and memorable. Encourage interaction and feedback from your audience by asking questions, sharing opinions, or doing activities. Don't forget to follow up with your audience after the presentation by sending a thank you note, summary, or survey.

Add your perspective

Edmund-Graham B.

Strategic Program Management with focus on Business Intelligence, Data Analytics & Strategy.
Report contribution
These are very useful tips. Feedback during the presentation is very important, asking if the data is understood or if the audience would have displayed it differently or used other metrics is very useful. This helps us as data analysis to see the data from a different perspective and consequently improve future reports.

Like

7 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?

Add your perspective

How do you prepare and deliver your data analysis presentation efficiently?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your audience

2 Define your purpose

3 Structure your presentation

4 Design your presentation

5 Practice your presentation

6 Deliver your presentation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Data Analysis

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Data Analysis

More relevant reading

How do you prepare and deliver your data analysis presentation efficiently?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your audience

2 Define your purpose

3 Structure your presentation

4 Design your presentation

5 Practice your presentation

6 Deliver your presentation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Data Analysis

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills