MAKING YOUR DATA ACCESSIBLE & UNDERSTANDABLE TO OTHERS

INTRODUCTION

Presenting data effectively is more than just creating charts and graphs—it’s about context, clarity, and storytelling. Understanding who the audience is, what they need to know, and how best to communicate insights ensures that data is both accessible and meaningful.

This 3-hour masterclass, delivered via the Consortium for Health Analytics Intelligence (CHAIn), provides a structured overview of key principles in data presentation. The session covers context in data communication, the difference between exploratory and explanatory analysis, the fundamentals of data storytelling, and core visualisation principles.

This session provides a high-level introduction to these concepts but does not include practical exercises or case studies. For those requiring hands-on application, the two-day course "Presenting Your Data to Multi-Professional Groups" offers more in-depth exploration and practice.

This John Varlow | Training and Consultancy course will cover:

✔ The importance of context when presenting data
✔ The Who, Where, When, Why, and How framework for structuring presentations
✔ The difference between exploratory and explanatory analysis
✔ The 3-Minute Story and Big Idea for impactful messaging
✔ An introduction to data storytelling techniques
✔ Key visualisation principles, including pre-attentive attributes and Gestalt Principles

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this 3-hour masterclass, participants will:

✔ Recognize why context is essential in data presentation
✔ Learn how to structure data communication effectively
✔ Differentiate between exploratory and explanatory analysis
✔ Understand the 3-Minute Story and Big Idea approach to concise messaging
✔ Gain an overview of data storytelling concepts
✔ Be introduced to core visualisation techniques for clearer data communication

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This session is delivered as a masterclass and will follow a presentation-led format. Participants will:

✔ Listen to expert-led explanations of data communication principles
✔ Gain structured insights into best practices for making data clear and meaningful
✔ Receive key takeaways on how to improve their own data presentations

The session will not include interactive exercises or participant-led discussions but will provide a structured overview of essential concepts.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is designed for professionals who need a high-level understanding of data communication but do not require hands-on training. It is particularly relevant for:

✔ Business & Data Analysts needing to communicate findings clearly
✔ Healthcare & Public Sector Professionals presenting data to stakeholders
✔ Researchers & Academics summarizing study results for diverse audiences
✔ Policy Makers & Managers using data to inform decision-making
✔ Anyone responsible for explaining complex data to non-experts

Pre-requisites:

✔ Basic numeracy skills

COURSE OUTLINE

1. The Importance of Context in Data Presentation

✔ Why context matters when presenting data
✔ Understanding audience needs and expectations

2. The Who, Where, When, Why, and How Framework

✔ Structuring data communication for clarity and impact
✔ Matching presentation style to audience and setting

3. Exploratory vs. Explanatory Analysis

✔ Understanding when to explore data vs. when to explain it
✔ Recognizing the dangers of presenting too much detail

4. The 3-Minute Story & The Big Idea

✔ How to summarize complex insights in a short timeframe
✔ Creating a clear and memorable takeaway message

5. The Role of Data Storytelling

✔ Why storytelling makes data more engaging and persuasive
✔ Techniques for structuring a compelling data narrative

6. Visualisation Concepts for Clarity & Impact

✔ Understanding pre-attentive attributes and their role in visual perception
✔ Exploring Gestalt Principles and how they improve data presentation

DURATION

⏳ 3 Hours

This session provides a structured, high-level introduction to data communication, equipping participants with the knowledge to make their data clearer and more accessible.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this session, participants will receive a John Varlow | Training and Consultancy Certificate of Completion.