Today, I attended several presentations by consultants-in-training. Their task was to introduce new concepts to an audience with only an introductory background in statistics. Each group had 20 minutes to present a topic of their choice. Some of the topics covered included an introduction to ggplot2, sample size calculation, and basic data analysis.
The consultants-in-training demonstrated significant learning, with some even showcasing new tools I hadn’t seen before. I particularly appreciated the use of ggplot2 to create impressive 3D plots. However, their true audience was not someone like me. Based on my extensive experience, I believe those with minimal statistics or programming background would struggle to appreciate the talks.
Effective communication is crucial when conveying knowledge to individuals with limited relevant background. Good communication involves understanding the audience’s background and always keeping their needs in mind. When introducing new concepts, it’s not about how much information we deliver, but rather the key points that the audience needs to grasp within the given timeframe. In this context, less is often more.
