So, you’re gearing up for a technical presentation and thinking about how to present your data. Percentages might seem like a go-to choice but hold on a second. Let’s chat about why they might not always be the best option.
Percentages Can Be Misleading
Saying “we fixed 90% of the software bugs” sounds impressive, right? But what if you had 10 bugs to start with? That means you only fixed 9 bugs. Percentages can sometimes hide the actual numbers, making the data seem more significant than it is.
Percentages Can Be Confusing
Not everyone is a math whiz, and throwing around percentages can make your audience's eyes glaze over. If you say "30% of users experienced a crash," some might wonder, "30% of what?" Using actual numbers is often clearer, like "300 out of 1000 users experienced a crash." This way, your audience gets a concrete idea of what you're talking about.
Sample Sizes Can Be Tricky
If you’re working with a small group, even a tiny change can result in a big percentage swing. This can skew the perception of your data.
Senior Management Needs the Raw Data
Business leaders deal with tables every day. They may not understand the technical information, but they are good at scanning tables and spotting unusual trends by instinctively calculating percentages. Citing endless amounts of percentages to this type of audience is disrespectful.
Good Practice – Avoid Percentages
Providing a secondary column with percentages and mentioning a percentage once in a while is ok. Remember to default to the actual numbers the next time you’re prepping or delivering your presentation. Your audience will understand more of your messages, and you will show them the respect they deserve.
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