We all are facing different issues while completing our projects. I experienced myself losing an argument with professor because either the veracity of the data, where it came from, or how it was collected was called into question. Hence my data or my conclusions were not trusted. I learned that if I ever present arguments, back it up with data not story.
Hence after professor suggestions I made sure to have done my homework. That way, I can address any questions about data with confidence. Trust on correct data to consistently deliver meaningful, relevant results based on evidence and fact. Here are the tips in how to present data in era of alternate facts:
- Be impartial: Try not to have preconceived notions about what the data should show or how it should be interpreted in advance. If you go into an analysis without an agenda and present your results as objectively as possible, it won’t seem like your analysis takes a side or pushes a particular point of view.
- Provide Context: No analysis is done in a vacuum. There’s always a reason for conducting it, as well as a plethora of factors that go into what data is used, where the data comes from and the methodology you choose to approach it.
- Obsess over accuracy: Put yourself in the shoes of your audience and try to question your numbers the way they would question them. Does everything add up? Does everything make sense? Yes? Good. Now bounce your analysis off someone else for one final review before you take it to present.
- Admit your mistakes:Honesty is always the best policy, with no exceptions. If being accurate helps build trust, admitting it when you’re not reaps similar rewards. You will get far more respect for owning up when you are wrong than if you cover it up and are caught.
- Be Thoughtful About How, What and When To Communicate : How, what and when you communicate can have a major impact on how trustworthy you are perceived to be, too. On what you communicate, it is important to know your audience and explain yourself clearly in terms they will understand. Talking too much or being long-winded can turn people off and be a sign that you don’t listen.
This is so true. I was stuck with the same thing and was unclear about what I want to communicate with the data set I have. I feel before making visualizations, it is also important to know and understand the data set.
Very well explained! I think this is what most of us were missing in our projects.
This was helpful. A lot of times even I have been under similar situation.
The title brought my attention and the content was also helpful. Thank you for sharing the good tips. I like the first tip that be impartial with what data to show