Presenting Data Visualisations and Insights to Business-Minded Stakeholders

In the world of business today, recording and using data has become essential regardless of the industry you are in. Companies depend on data analysis to make smart decisions that affect their success. Yet, connecting the dots between data pros, who know data inside and out, and business-focused leaders, who might not be tech whizzes, can be quite a tough task. This blog explores the art of presenting technical data visuals and insights to non-technical stakeholders, providing guidance on how to ensure that data-driven insights are effectively communicated to drive business objectives.

Speak Their Language

Before communicating the technical information to the business-oriented stakeholders, it’s wise to make sure that you know whom exactly you will be speaking with. Presenting data to stakeholders requires an understanding of their focus and needs. Such people mostly focus on attaining their company targets such as increasing revenue, reducing costs, and satisfying clients. In order to effectively engage them, data experts need to revisit their existing presentation style in line with such business objectives. Presenting data to stakeholders effectively means staying away from tech-speak and unnecessary complex jargon but using simple, easy language such as “retrieved data”, and “decision-making processes”, among others instead of something more complicated such as SQL, algorithms and so on. Also, make sure you know this information will act as a roadmap for data analysis and display when presenting data to stakeholders.

Choosing the Right Graphs

It is important to use visuals as they help one to simplify difficult data but ensure that one selects those ones that will not confuse audiences. When you are communicating data to your stakeholders, choosing the right graphs is crucial. At times complicated graphs which can be explained would add up to a problem rather than provide a solution. Usually, companies do not employ complicated charts like those used by people in the business sector. If it’s not essential, do not use colourful graphs if a heat map or Sankey diagram would suffice. In presenting data to stakeholders, it is important to maintain simplicity by using short labels, colours, and scales to label all visuals and exclude whatever may lead to confusion. You may also highlight significant points through notes or callouts to draw attention to key insights.

Tell a Story with Data

Transforming data into a narrative is an influential technique for engaging business-minded stakeholders. When presenting data to stakeholders, start with a clear and concise introduction, providing context and objectives. Show trends, patterns, or anomalies by using visualizations. This approach enables them to determine how their businesses have transpired in the past, present, and possible future.

Interpreting Data Insights

Interpreting the data in terms of business relevance when communicating technical aspects to non-business stakeholders matters highly. Presenting data to stakeholders with practical implications of the revelations is crucial. Highlight any potential risks and profits that come with the data. For instance, what are the implications of declining product demand with reference to revenue and customers’ experience? Develop recommendations from the data insights that are specific and actionable. For example, if the data indicate that customers are leaving their shopping carts, propose means of enhancing the purchase procedure when presenting data to stakeholders.

Engage in Two-Way Communication

Effective communication goes both ways. Encourage interaction and questions from business stakeholders. After presenting data, open the floor for questions and discussions. Be prepared to clarify any technical terms or concepts. Establish a feedback loop, allowing stakeholders to provide input on the data analysis process and the insights presented. This can help align data-driven strategies with business goals. Make data presentations a regular occurrence, rather than a one-time event. Provide ongoing updates to keep stakeholders informed about changes and trends. In each of these steps, presenting data to stakeholders in an engaging manner is key.

Presenting technical data visuals and insights to business-minded stakeholders is an indispensable skill in today’s data-driven business landscape. The ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights is an asset. Data professionals will be able to close that divide if they understand the audience, pick appropriate data visualizations, tell an intriguing data-driven narrative, and engage in dialogue with the other side through two-way communications. With this strategy, they give business leaders the capability to make wise choices that propel the organization ahead. Ultimately, presenting data to stakeholders in a way that is both comprehensible and compelling is a vital component of this process.

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