Engineers, scientists, and technical professionals often have a wealth of data to share. But when presenting to a broader audience, that data alone rarely creates action or influence. People may struggle to follow the numbers, lose interest in charts, or forget key findings. The challenge isn’t having enough information; it’s transforming that information into a message that sticks. Here are six practical ways to turn your data into impact when speaking in public.
Start with the “Why”
Before you dive into the numbers, explain why it matters. If you’re presenting safety statistics, frame them as part of a bigger purpose: protecting lives, reducing downtime, or improving community wellbeing. When the audience understands the stakes, the data becomes the tool to back up your message rather than the message itself.
Translate Numbers into Meaning
Large numbers are easy to forget. Instead of saying, “The machine reduces carbon emissions by 1,000 metric tons per year,” translate it: “That’s the equivalent of taking 220 cars off the road.” Analogies, comparisons, or visual equivalents help your audience grasp scale and remember the impact.
Tell the Story Inside the Data
Every dataset has a story, a beginning (the problem), a middle (the evidence), and an end (the solution or outcome). Numbers by themselves can overwhelm, but when you frame them in a narrative arc, people follow along and connect emotionally. For example: “We noticed a gradual rise in defects over 12 months, then introduced a new system, and the defects dropped by half in just three weeks.”
Highlight the One Thing to Remember
When faced with lots of data, audiences won’t remember every figure. They ask themselves, “What’s the point?” Choose your one key message and make sure the data consistently supports it. Use repetition strategically: state your main point at the beginning, reinforce it with data, and conclude by re-stating it simply.
Use Visuals Wisely
Slides overloaded with numbers, tables, or busy charts confuse audiences. Replace data-heavy visuals with simplified graphics that highlight trends or contrasts. Use color to emphasize the key number or the upward trend line, and limit each slide to one main message. A clear visual does the heavy lifting better than a dense spreadsheet.
Connect Data to People
Impact happens when you connect numbers to human outcomes. Instead of presenting “95% compliance,” describe what that means for teams, customers, or communities. Share a short case study or personal story that illustrates the real-world effect behind the data. People empathize with people, not percentages.
Turning data into impact isn’t about downplaying the science – it’s about amplifying its value. When audiences understand, remember, and connect with your message, your data becomes more than numbers on a slide. It becomes a force for action, influence, and change.
Next time you step up to speak, don’t just present your data. Frame it, simplify it, and bring it to life. That’s how you transform information into inspiration.