You're facing a room full of non-technical stakeholders. How do you simplify complex data findings?
When presenting complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders, focus on making the information accessible and engaging. Here’s how you can simplify your data:
How do you simplify complex data for non-technical audiences? Share your thoughts.
You're facing a room full of non-technical stakeholders. How do you simplify complex data findings?
When presenting complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders, focus on making the information accessible and engaging. Here’s how you can simplify your data:
How do you simplify complex data for non-technical audiences? Share your thoughts.
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Structure in how you speak makes the difference. Use the pyramid framework - start with the obvious (layman level) and keep going deeper so the team stays connected
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Start with the "why". Then summarize the data solving problems for the business or creating a better customer experience. Depending on the data show the WIIFM aspect-when people see the connection to how it may affect them-they are more likely to engage and adopt!
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Translate data into simple visuals like charts or infographics and use storytelling to relate findings to real-world implications. Focus on actionable insights that resonate with the audience's interests.
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Break it down into simple points and explain it like a casual conversation. No fancy charts or graphs—just straight talk in simplest language, storytelling might help. And if I can add a little humor to keep it interesting, I do. Overall it should relate to audiance at some point, their inputs will also matter to narrate the flow.
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Simplifying complex data for non-technical audiences is all about storytelling. Start with why the data matters—connect it to their goals or challenges. Use visuals like charts or infographics to bring numbers to life, but keep them clean and uncluttered. Avoid jargon; instead, use analogies or examples they can relate to. For instance, instead of “95% confidence interval,” say, “We’re almost certain this trend isn’t random.” Structure your presentation like a narrative: set up the problem, reveal insights, and end with actionable takeaways. Lastly, invite questions—it ensures clarity and keeps the conversation interactive.
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The first step is thinking through your audience’s current state of 1) knowledge and 2) interest in the topic. Only once you understand their perspective can you effectively craft your strategy to maximize comprehension and engagement. In addition to telling a story, using visual aids, and summarizing key takeaways, be sure to have a way to create a comfort to ask questions (non-technical audiences may otherwise feel intimidated to ask questions) and plan a way to get their engagement.
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Break it down and ELI5. Also known as explain it like I am five years old. If you truly know what you're talking about, you can simplify and adjust how you share information to match the level of technicality of your audience.
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By painting a picture at a holistic level, using communication devices like analogies, and bottom lining the key observations, we can translate technical data into business insights with a non-technical audience in mind.
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A mí me ha funcionado usar lenguaje llano, sin tecnicismos, adaptado a la audiencia, usar bullets e ir directo al punto sin rodeos. Tengo probado que una imagen dice más qué mil palabras. Contar anécdotas genera emociones y facilita conectar con la audiencia.
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