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Common Uses of Statistics in a SpeechSome common uses of statistics in a speech format may include:
Common Misunderstandings of StatisticsA common misunderstanding when using statistics is “correlation does not mean causation.” This means that just because two variables are related, they do not necessarily mean that one variable causes the other variable to occur. For example, consider a data set that indicates that there is a relationship between ice cream purchases over seasons versus drowning deaths over seasons. The incorrect conclusion would be to say that the increase in ice cream consumption leads to more drowning deaths, or vice versa. Therefore, when using statistics in public speaking, a speaker should always be sure that they are presenting accurate information when discussing two variables that may be related. Statistics can be used persuasively in all manners of arguments and public speaking scenarios—the key is understanding and interpreting the given data and molding that interpretation towards a convincing statement. Communicating StatisticsGraphs, tables, and maps can be used to communicate the numbers, but then the numbers need to be put into context to make the message stick. IntroductionCredibility makes our messages believable, and a believable message is more likely to be remembered than one that is not. But gaining credibility is not so easy. As Chip and Dan Heath note in Made to Stick: If we’re trying to persuade a skeptical audience to believe a new message, the reality is that we’re fighting an uphill battle against a lifetime of personal learning and social relationships. So how can we add credibility to our words? One way is to rely on statistics. Putting Statistics into Context for Our AudiencesWe are so used to resorting to statistics that we tend to bombard our audiences with too many mind-numbing numbers. As the Heaths state: Statistics are rarely meaningful in and of themselves. Statistics will, and should, almost always be used to illustrate a relationship. It’s more important for people to remember the relationship than the number. We need to put statistics into context for our audiences. In the book, the Heaths give several good examples of others who have done this. For example, they introduce us to Geoff Ainscow, one of the leaders of the Beyond War movement in the 1980s. Ainscow gave talks trying to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear weapons. He wanted to show that the US and the USSR possessed weapons capable of destroying the earth several times over. But simply quoting figures of nuclear weapons stockpiles was not a way to make the message stick. So, after setting the scene, Ainscow would take a BB pellet and drop it into a steel bucket where it would make a loud noise. The pellet represented the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. Ainscow would then describe the devastation at Hiroshima. Next, he would take 10 pellets and drop them in the bucket where they made 10 times as much noise. They represented the nuclear firepower on a single nuclear submarine. Finally, he poured 5,000 pellets into the bucket, one for each nuclear warhead in the world. When the noise finally subsided, his audience sat in dead silence. That is how you put statistics into context. Using Tables, Graphs and Maps to Communicate Statistical FindingsThe story of communicating your statistics does not end with putting them into context. Actually, it would be better to say that it does not begin with putting the numbers into context. In reality, the story you are telling through your evidence will probably start with the display of a table, graph, or map. A simple table, graph, or map can explain a great deal, and so this type of direct evidence should be used where appropriate. However, if a particular part of your analysis represented by a table, graph, or map does not add to or support your argument, it should be left out. While representing statistical information in tables, graphs, or maps can be highly effective, it is important to ensure that the information is not presented in a manner that can mislead the reader. The key to presenting effective tables, graphs, or maps is to ensure they are easy to understand and clearly linked to the message. Ensure that you provide all the necessary information required to understand what the data is showing. The table, graph, or map should be able to stand alone. Tables, graphs, and maps should:
Table Checklist
Also, do not present too much data in tables. Large expanses of figures can be daunting for an audience, and can obscure your message. Graph Checklist
Key Points
Termsstatistics mode mean median statistics A systematic collection of data on measurements or observations, often related to demographic information such as population counts, incomes, population counts at different ages, etc. accuracy Exact conformity to truth, or to a rule or model; degree of conformity of a measure to a true or standard value. What methods can you use to adapt your speech to your audience?Engage the audience — get them interested, give them a reason to listen.. Describe a scene or a character.. Tell a story.. Share a personal experience.. Relate to a recent event.. Piggyback on a previous speaker's remark or theme.. Point out something important about the audience or the current setting.. What are some methods of audience analysis?4 Research Methods for Audience Analysis. Primary Research. The first step when beginning audience analysis is gathering as much information as possible. ... . Qualitative Research. ... . Interviews. ... . Focus Groups. ... . Quantitative Research. ... . Social Media Analytics. ... . Surveys and Questionnaires. ... . Secondary Research.. What do statistics do to the audience?It will help people relate to the topic. Numbers increase the credibility of the speech, as the audience has an impression that the speaker has done research on the topic. Numbers stay in the mind for a longer time and using them will make your speech more memorable.
What is statistical audience analysis?Audience Analysis refers to researching the behavior, preferences, interests, location, demographics, and other aspects of a group. With audience analysis statistics, it is feasible to ensure that the information provided is appropriate as per the audience's interest.
When using statistics in a speech a speaker should ensure which of the following?Therefore, when using statistics in public speaking, a speaker should always be sure that they are presenting accurate information when discussing two variables that may be related.
What are the three types of audience analysis?There are three types of audience analysis: Demographic analysis. Psychographic analysis. Situational analysis.
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