Presenting Insights and Findings:
{ Written Reports
Accurate information, sound logic, and the facts are necessary, of course, but truly effective leaders in any fieldincluding technical onesknow how to tell the story of their particular research endeavor.
Robert McKee author Stories Share Research Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting
Written Presentation and the Research Process
Focus on relevance. Its never about the volume of analyzed data or the complexity of an algorithm but about the actionability of derived insight.
Michael Fassnacht, founder Loyalty Matrix
Relevance. Not Quantity.
The Written Research Report
Guidelines for Short Reports
Components: Short Report Memo or LetterStyle
Introduction
Problem statement Research objectives Background
Conclusions
Summary and conclusions Recommendations
The Long Research Report
Report Modules
Prefatory Information Introduction Methodology Findings
Conclusions & Recommendations
Appendices
Bibliography
Prewriting Concerns
Adjusting Pace
Use ample white space
Use headings
Use visual aids Use italics and underlining Choose words carefully Repeat and summarize Use service words strategically
Considerations for Writing
Readability
Comprehensibility Tone
Avoiding Overcrowded Text
Use shorter paragraphs Indent or space parts of text Use headings Use bullets
Sample Findings Page: Tabular
Charts for Written Reports
Components of a Whole or Frequency
Text Presentation
Wal-Mart regained its number-1 rank in the Forbes 500 due to its strong sales performance (11% increase; $351.1 billion). Although Walmart surpassed number-2-ranked ExxonMobil in sales, Wal-Mart's profitability ($11.2 billion) was far below the oil giant ($39.5 billion). Some credit several challenging public relations problems with the lower-than-expected level. Number-6-ranked General Electric also outperformed Walmart in profits with $20.8 billion. GEs robust sales growth (27.4%) is an indication that it will likely challenge both Walmart and ExxonMobil in the future.
Tabular Presentation
Wal-Mart regained its number one rank in 2007 by increasing its sales 11 percent over its prior years sales. But it still trails in profitability.
Company Wal-Mart Exxon Mobil General Electric
Rank 1 2 6
Revenue ($, millions) $351,139.0 $347,254.0 $168,307.0
Sales Growth 11.2% 02.2% 07.1%
Profits $11,284.0 $39,500.0 $20,829.0
Profit Growth 0.5% 9.3% 27.4%
Geographs
3-D Graphs
Preparing & Delivering the Written Report
Preparing & Delivering the Written Report
Prefatory Information Introduction Methodology
Preparing & Delivering the Written Report
Preparing & Delivering the Written Report
Preparing & Delivering the Written Report
Presenting Insights and Findings:
Oral Presentations
Contents
Oral presentations and research process Model for presentation planning Types of learners Web based presentation Patterns of organization
Visualization tools Points to remember for better slides Modes of delivery Delivery principles Non-verbal admonitions Speakers behavior to avoid
Oral presentations and research process
Model for presentation planning
Types of learners
Web based presentation
Patterns of Organization
Visualization Tools
Slides
Notes
Handouts
Points to make better presentation
Modes of Delivery
DELIVERY PRINCIPLES
Non verbal admonitions for a speaker
Eye contact Gesture Posture and Body Language Paralanguage
Arrangements
Equipment
Facilities
Visual Projection
Arrangements
Meeting Room
Seating
Lighting
Facilities
Temperature
Electrical Power
Lectern
Speaker behaviors to
{avoid
Speaker Behaviors to Avoid
Vocal
Speak too softly Speak too rapidly Fail to vary volume, tone, and rate of speaking Fill pauses with you know, um, ah
Physical
Rock back and forth Pace without purpose Fiddle with things, hair, jewelry, clothing Stare into space Fail to make eye contact Move cursor without purpose.
Thank You
