How can you present program evaluation results in a clear and compelling way?

1 Know your audience

Before you prepare your presentation, you need to identify who your audience is and what they want to know. Different stakeholders may have different interests, expectations, and levels of familiarity with your program and evaluation. For example, funders may be more interested in the impact and cost-effectiveness of your program, while beneficiaries may be more interested in the outcomes and feedback. You should tailor your presentation to suit your audience's needs and preferences, and use appropriate language, tone, and format.

2 Use a logical structure

Your presentation should have a clear and logical structure that guides your audience through your evaluation process and results. A common structure for program evaluation presentations includes an introduction that provides background information on the program, its goals and objectives, and the purpose and scope of the evaluation. Additionally, methods should be described, such as how data was collected and analyzed, what indicators and criteria were used, and any limitations or challenges faced. Findings should be presented with visual aids to emphasize key points and trends, compared to objectives or standards, and any discrepancies or surprises should be explained. Conclusions should summarize the main findings and answer evaluation questions or address evaluation objectives. Finally, recommendations should be made for improving or sustaining the program, being sure to explain how they are feasible, realistic, and relevant.

3 Be clear and concise

Your presentation should be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon, technical terms, or acronyms. You should use simple and direct language, and explain any concepts or terms that your audience may not be familiar with. You should also avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information or data, and focus on the most important and relevant results. You should also use visual aids, such as graphs, charts, tables, or pictures, to illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging and memorable. However, you should also make sure that your visual aids are clear, accurate, and consistent, and that they complement your verbal message.

4 Be honest and credible

Your presentation should be honest and credible, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of your program and evaluation. You should not exaggerate, distort, or omit any results that may not be favorable or expected. You should also acknowledge any limitations, biases, or uncertainties that may affect the validity or reliability of your results. You should also provide evidence and sources to support your claims and recommendations, and cite them properly. You should also invite feedback and questions from your audience, and address them respectfully and constructively.

5 Be persuasive and actionable

Your presentation should be persuasive and actionable, convincing your audience that your results are important and meaningful, and that your recommendations are worth implementing. You should use stories, examples, quotes, or testimonials to illustrate the impact and value of your program and evaluation. You should also use emotive and positive language, and appeal to your audience's values, interests, and emotions. You should also provide a clear call to action, and explain what steps or actions your audience can take to support or improve your program. You should also follow up with your audience after your presentation, and provide them with additional information or resources if needed.

6 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?