Intermediate Module I4
Module I4: Presenting Statistical Results
Synopsis
This module discusses how to present statistical information efficiently and effectively.
Students learn how to design reports taking into account to whom the information is
targeted and what is the purpose of the report. Students gain experience by exploring
different types of statistical reports already available, by constructively criticising them and
by producing their own reports.
Different forms for delivery of statistical information are also explored.
Objectives
Successful students will be able to
Plan and prepare good simple statistical reports.
Design products suitable for specific audiences
Choose between different alternatives for delivery of statistical information.
Present simple statistical summaries in maps.
Expected outcomes
Building on the knowledge and skills acquired in Module B2, students will improve their
skills for the effective presentation of summary statistics in text, table and graphical form.
Students will learn basic principles for the production of special types of communication
products such as presentations, summaries for busy people, how to write statistical
communiqués for radio and written press. Students will explore the use of the web for
delivery of statistical products.
Pre-requisites
Modules I1, I2 and I3 or equivalent
SADC Course in Statistics
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Intermediate Module I4
Contents
Sessions 1 and 2. Reading and writing reports
The importance of reporting is stressed. Four examples are provided that illustrate how
broadly the term “reporting” can be considered. They range from a 20 minute film on the
myths of development, to radio broadcasts and plays. The usual ways are to give a
presentation, or prepare a Word document, and examples of “ordinary” reports are also
included.
Session 3. Good graphics
Session 4 .Good Tables
Session 5 Writing good statements
We will look at how to write clear, succinct statements. Well written statements can make
the difference between comprehension and confusion. In order to write clearly, we must
first have an understanding of the basic rules of sentence structure and grammar.
Session 6 Report Writing: Style and Structure
Writing a report can seem daunting at first, but with a solid understanding of the
fundamental structure and style used in constructing clear and concise reports, it can be
achieved. The standard report format is as follows: Title, Summary, Introduction, Body,
Conclusions, Recommendations, Appendix, References and Table of Contents. We will
first look at how to prepare a report before the writing begins.
Session 7: Preparing report summaries
Session 8. Preparing a “statistical release”
No summary in the document
SADC Course in Statistics
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Intermediate Module I4
Session 9 Reviewing reports
Students will look at text, tables and graphs from reports with the aim of seeing how they
should complement each other. Students will be asked to look at the reports critically and
suggest improvements as well as praise and criticism about the choice of tables, graphs,
descriptions and data included in the reports.
Session 10 Structuring good presentations
When preparing a presentation, incorporating all the relevant data in a logical and
understandable format may seem daunting at first. However, with careful planning and
attention to structure and audience, it can be done. The goal of a presentation is to pass on
information to your audience.
Session 11 Delivering presentations
Structuring your presentation with clarity and purpose is an important step, but so to is
how you delver the material. In order to deliver a good presentation, you need to consider
the method of delivery, and how you yourself will go about presenting. One of the most
important points to remember is practice. Practice not only puts you at ease when it is time
to present, but it also give you an opportunity to see if you have overlooked any key
components necessary in delivering your presentation smoothly. Before giving your
presentation make sure that you:
Identify your audience,
develop a rational fluid structure to your presentation
Practice, practice, practice
Session 12 Making an effective PowerPoint presentation
We will look at how to use PowerPoint to create presentations. The program allows you to
create dynamic presentations using a multitude of different media, which can then be
encapsulated in a slide show.
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Intermediate Module I4
Session 13 Students presentations
This session will be spent delivering the presentation that you have worked on over the last
three sessions, and observing and providing feedback on the presentations of other
students.
Sessions 14 & 15: The web for reporting
The actual and potential use of the web is reviewed as vehicle for reporting. A few websites
are reviewed as a class. Then the class splits into groups to establish a criterion for rating
websites. In the second Session students prepare a presentation and a consultancy report
on a website of their choice for presentation in Session 19.
Session 16: Web evaluation presentations
In this session student will give their “Web Survey” presentations that they created in
Sessions 14 and 15. They will also be expected to hand in their consultation reports
pinpointing the problems with their chosen websites and their suggested solutions.
Session 17: Sensitive writing and thorough evaluation.
The consultation reports of each group will be reviewed. Students will be asked to think
about and assess the use of “Soft Skills” in written work. This course will then be evaluated
in light of Kirkpatrick’s 4 levels of evaluation.
SADC Course in Statistics
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