What are effective ways to present economic data to the media?

1 Know your audience

The first step to presenting economic data to the media is to know your audience. Who are you trying to reach, and what are their interests, needs, and preferences? Different types of media outlets and formats may have different expectations and standards for economic reporting. For example, a newspaper article may require more details and sources than a radio interview, while a podcast may allow more room for storytelling and personal anecdotes. You should also consider the level of economic literacy and familiarity with your topic among your audience, and tailor your language and explanations accordingly.

2 Choose your key messages

The second step to presenting economic data to the media is to choose your key messages. What are the main points or conclusions that you want your audience to remember and understand? You should prioritize and highlight the most relevant and impactful aspects of your data, and avoid overwhelming or distracting your audience with too much information or technical jargon. You should also anticipate and address any potential questions, objections, or misconceptions that your audience may have, and provide evidence and reasoning to support your claims.

4 Tell a story

The fourth step to presenting economic data to the media is to tell a story. A story can help you connect with your audience, and make your data more meaningful and relatable. You can use narratives, examples, analogies, metaphors, or other rhetorical devices to convey your data in a compelling and persuasive way. You can also use emotions, humor, or curiosity to capture your audience's attention and interest. However, you should also be careful not to oversimplify or exaggerate your data, and maintain your credibility and objectivity.

6 Seek feedback

The sixth and final step to presenting economic data to the media is to seek feedback. Feedback can help you improve your presentation skills, and learn from your mistakes and successes. You can ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, or experts in your field, or from your media contacts, or from your audience. You can also use metrics, surveys, or other tools to measure the impact and effectiveness of your presentation, and identify any areas for improvement or further research.

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?