"How to Use Numbers in a Presentation" John Millen

 

https://leadermotiv.com/blog/how-to-use-numbers-in-a-presentation

 

Key Quote: "Numbers numb, stories sell. We don't deal well with numbers, [they tend] to suspend our sense of emotion, but we respond very, very well to stories. Individual stories will almost always trump a litany of statistics."

 

Millen offers seven simple tips to consider when presenting numbers to make them more memorable. He notes that at some point in our careers we will have to convince others of our project or proposal and we will likely have to use numbers. He reminds us that numbers do not stand alone but are part of a larger story or key point.  Research suggests that numbers included in a story are 22 times more likely to be remembered than if presented in a chart or table.  It may seem obvious but the fewer numbers, the better: fewer are easier to remember and fewer accommodates short attention spans. He suggests simplifying your numbers by possibly using a photo or single number.  Here is an example. Everyone knows Africa is a big continent. How big?  Compared to what? I could give you the astounding number of square miles, which is 11.73 million mi².  Or, I could show you a picture that communicates its size more poignantly. (From Visual Capitalist)

 

As with all presentations, we need to consider What's in It for the Audience.  Here is another example from Visual Capitalist that impacts almost everyone who has a cell phone or computer.  Do you read the fine print when you sign up for apps?  Bet you don't.  If I gave you a table of data for the top apps, that included the number of words in the fine print and how many minutes and seconds it would take you to read each one what would you remember?  Alternatively, if I showed you this picture you would likely compare your favorite app to others to see how it compares for fine print and number of words.(Partial Cutaway from Visual Capitalist). (By the way a six minute speech has about 750-900 words and no app was less than 2451!)

 

Most people want to be differentiated from their coworkers in a good way.  Millen notes that "There are also other benefits to becoming a better presenter of numbers. In addition to engaging your listeners more effectively, you will position yourself for greater success. In any organization today, the ability to communicate is the career differentiator.

Presenting numbers effectively can have a positive effect on the outcome of your presentation.  Millen's article is short but helpful as is a visit to Visual Capitalist that emphasizes making numbers visual.