How can you use data to build stakeholder trust during presentations?

1 Understand your audience

Before you design your presentation, you need to understand who your stakeholders are, what they care about, and how they process information. This will help you tailor your data to their interests, goals, and pain points, and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details. You can use various methods to gather information about your audience, such as surveys, interviews, personas, or stakeholder maps.

2 Define your purpose and message

Next, you need to define the purpose and message of your presentation. What do you want your stakeholders to know, feel, and do after listening to you? How does your data support your main point or argument? How can you frame your data in a way that resonates with your audience and shows them the value and benefits of your proposal or solution? You can use a simple formula to craft your message, such as: "We have a problem/opportunity, here is the data that proves it, and here is what we should do about it."

3 Choose the right data and visuals

Once you have your message, you need to select the data and visuals that will best convey it. You don't need to show all the data you have, only the data that matters. You also need to choose the right type of visual for your data, such as charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams, and follow the best practices for data visualization, such as using clear labels, titles, legends, colors, and scales. You can use tools like Excel, PowerPoint, or Tableau to create your data visuals.

5 Validate and verify your data

Another key aspect of using data to build stakeholder trust is to validate and verify your data. This means that you need to ensure that your data is accurate, reliable, and relevant, and that you can back it up with sources, references, and methods. You also need to acknowledge any limitations, assumptions, or uncertainties in your data, and address any potential objections or questions from your audience. You can use techniques like data quality checks, peer reviews, and fact-checking to validate and verify your data.

6 Practice and deliver your presentation

Finally, you need to practice and deliver your presentation with confidence and clarity. You need to rehearse your presentation several times, preferably in front of a test audience, and get feedback on your content, delivery, and timing. You also need to prepare for any technical issues, such as equipment, software, or internet problems, and have a backup plan. You also need to engage your audience during your presentation, by using eye contact, gestures, voice, and questions, and handle any feedback or comments with respect and professionalism.

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?