Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t
necessarily convince people on their own. When you’re giving a presentation, or
just talking informally to co-workers or customers, keep these tips in mind to
give your facts added heft:
• Supply some context. Tell your
listener what the numbers mean. If 27 percent of consumers buy your product
that may not mean much unless you explain that you’re the top-selling brand, or
that your biggest competitor captures only 9 percent of the marketplace.
• Get specific—and general.
Concrete figures, like $287,642, give your statistics credibility, but
expressing them in round numbers (“over a quarter of a million dollars”) makes
them memorable. Use both: Start with the specific number, and then later round
up or down to drive home your point.
• Put it in print. When possible,
give your audience something tangible. A one-page summary with hard facts can
emphasize that you stand behind your words.
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