Episode Details

“We’ve already tried that.”

“Those numbers don’t look right.”

“I’m not convinced.”

What do you do when your audience pushes back on your data or recommendations?

In this episode, Alli and Simon tackle eight common questions from storytelling with data workshops about winning over a tough audience. From handling disagreement and challenging questions to presenting unpopular findings, they share practical strategies to build trust, navigate resistance, and turn tense presentations into productive conversations.

Show notes:

https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/117

LINK MENTIONED:

• Register for the Nov 5th live, public workshop

  • Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off!

• Should you begin or end with your recommendation? — Article with a flowchart to help decide when to share your recommendation.

• How to build trust with your audience — Strategies for establishing credibility and strengthening relationships over time.

• How much detail should you include in a presentation? — Guidance on balancing supporting information with a clear message.

• The art of delivering bad results — How to communicate unexpected or disappointing findings.

• Tailoring charts to different audiences — Community challenge featuring two versions of the same chart, one for a technical audience and one for a general audience.

• Integrating qualitative data into your data story — Tips for combining numbers with other qualitative evidence.

• The Big Idea worksheet — A free exercise for identifying what matters to different audiences and finding common ground.

• How to avoid bias in data storytelling — An article by Cole about recommendations, objectivity, and bias.