When you're giving a presentation, the data you share is one of the most crucial tools for supporting your dialogue. If your data isn't presented effectively, it can be difficult for your audience to understand and remember your points. In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to show data in a presentation, why presentation style matters, and how a presentation designer can help.
As a presenter, you should strive to understand how people process information. When we hear spoken language, we understand about 125 words per minute. But when we see written language, we can generally read between 200-250 words per minute on average. And when we see data visualizations, we can process information even faster.
So if you want your audience to remember and understand your presentation, using data visualization is one of the best ways to achieve that goal.
It's not enough to simply include data visualizations in your presentation. You also need to make sure that your data is presented effectively. Here are some tips on how to do that:
One mistake people can make when presenting data is making the information jumbled and unclear. When your audience can't understand the data, whether it’s a graph, chart, or other element, it doesn’t support the purpose and can actually negatively affect the presentation. So make sure you're using elements that convey the data simply and clearly.
When you're looking at your data, it's easy to get caught up in the details. But when you're presenting that data to an audience, it’s a good idea to focus on the big picture. What’s the significance of the data you’re showing? How can you communicate that effectively to your audience? Keep those goals in mind as you select and design your visuals.
Once you've created your visualizations, make an attempt to draw attention to the most notable parts. You can do this by using color, labels, or other design elements. Just make sure you're not overdoing it – too much highlighting can actually make it harder for people to process information. Use visual cues sparingly and only when they genuinely add to the understanding of your data.
It can be tempting to get caught up in the numbers when you’re preparing your presentation. But remembering that you're not presenting to your data, but rather to an audience of people, can help you organize your thoughts. Focus on making sure your presentation is engaging and understandable for them. Don't include information just because it's interesting – make sure it's relevant and useful for your audience as well.
If you want to ensure your presentation is effective and engaging, working with a presentation designer can be a great option. A professional presentation designer has the skills and experience necessary to create visuals that are both clear and visually appealing.
They can also help you focus your presentation on the most important points, and make sure it flows smoothly from beginning to end.
If you're interested in working with a presentation designer, contact Kristian Olson Art & Design today. I specialize in creating custom presentation designs and templates that will allow you to communicate your message clearly and effectively. I’ll work with you to understand your goals and audience, and design a presentation that will help you achieve those goals.
Contact me today to learn more about my services or request a quote.
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