Presentation skills and practices

Proven presentation tips

• Effective presentation skills are crucial for data analysts to communicate their findings clearly.
• Using a framework helps guide the audience and integrates data seamlessly into the presentation.
• Practice and preparation are essential to becoming more comfortable with giving presentations.
• Basic tips include deep breathing to manage excitement, starting with general ideas before getting specific, and using the five-second rule for data visualizations.
• Preparation methods vary; find what works best for you to ensure a smooth and confident presentation.

Presentation check list:

1. Channel your excitement
2. Start with the broader ideas
3. Use the five second rule
   • Wait five seconds after showing a data visualization
   • Ask if they understand
   • Give your audience another five seconds
   • Tell them the conclusion

Examples of great spoken presentations

TED Talks are short, spoken messages with important ideas. Take some time to watch the three TED Talks linked below, which were carefully selected as examples of great presentations. As you watch the videos, consider how each one demonstrates the characteristics of an effective presentation:

1. The 3 bones of networking
2. Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
3. Looking for a job? Highlight your ability, not your experience

Airbnb pitch deck from 2008

Create your own checklist

As you review your presentation style, focus on the clarity and engagement of your content. Incorporate visuals that complement your narrative and use pauses to let your insights sink in. Every piece of feedback is valuable, offering you a chance to learn and improve. Treat your presentation like a dialogue, not a monologue, and tailor it to connect with your audience.

While using your presentation checklist, pay attention to the effectiveness of your visual aids. They should not only represent data accurately but also highlight key takeaways that reinforce your message. Through critical self-review, use this checklist to refine both your verbal and visual communication, turning data into compelling stories. Here are some questions you can incorporate into your checklist:

• Do I use an attention-grabbing opening?
• Do I start with broad ideas and later talk about specific details?
• Do I speak in short sentences?
• Do I pause for five seconds after showing a data visualization?
• Do I pause intentionally at certain points?
• Do I keep the pitch of my sentences level?
• Do I stand still and move with purpose?
• Do I have good posture?
• Do I look at my audience (or camera) while speaking?
• Do I keep my message concise?
• Do I end by explaining to my audience why the data analysis matters?

You can also add checklist items to help you refine your slide deck:

• Do I include a good title and subtitle that describe what I’m about to present?
• Do I include the date of my presentation or the date when my slideshow was last updated?
• Does my font size let the audience easily read my slides?
• Do I showcase what business metrics I used?
• Do I include effective visuals (like charts and graphs)?

Key takeaways

Embracing a cycle of practice, feedback, and refinement is crucial for professional development in data analysis. A well-crafted presentation checklist can accelerate your growth, helping you present complex data simply and captivate your audience. Make it a habit to use this checklist to evaluate your work and welcome constructive criticism. Approach every presentation as a chance to improve your storytelling abilities and become a more skilled and persuasive communicator.

Present like a pro

• Know Your Audience: Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and context.
  • Will not always see the steps you took to reach a conclusion
  • Has a lot on their mind
  • Is easily distracted
• Curse of Knowledge: Remember that your audience doesn't have the same background as you, so explain your steps and conclusions clearly.
• Focus on Essential Information: Avoid overloading your audience with unnecessary details or side stories.
• Keep it Engaging: Maintain focus and keep your presentation concise to hold your audience's attention.
• Continuous Improvement: Seek feedback to continually improve your presentation skills.
• Effective Delivery: Pay attention to your speaking style, avoid nervous habits, and practice good posture and eye contact. →

How you speak

• Keep your sentences short
• Build in intentional pauses
• Keep the pitch of your sentences level

Be mindful of nervous habits

• Stay still and move with purpose
• Practice good posture
• Make positive eye contact

As always, I invite you to share your opinion in the comments
With love 😽 🤗 😘
K