How many decimals should I report for means, standard deviations, p-values and correlations?

Two decimal places are typically sufficient. Report p-values exactly when possible (e.g., p = 0.032), but use thresholds such as p < 0.001 for very small values.

How to present statistical results: A researcher’s guide

Q: What is the best way to present statistical results in a presentation?

Use clear visuals instead of raw tables, emphasize only three or four key takeaways, and connect the findings to real-world implications.

Q: How do you explain p-values and confidence intervals simply?

Explain these concepts in plain language and use analogies. For example, a p-value shows how likely your result is due to chance, while a confidence interval provides a range of values where the true result probably lies.

Q: Should I use a table or a chart to present results?

Charts are best for clarity and quick comprehension, whereas tables are useful for precise values in written statistical reports.

Q: How many slides should a 10–15 minute conference talk have?

Aim for about ten to fifteen slides—roughly one slide per minute of presentation time—and prioritize clarity over detail.

Q: How do I present regression results (and what should I leave out)?

Focus on the key predictors, their coefficients and the overall model fit. Avoid showing the entire regression table to your audience; instead, place full tables in an appendix or supporting document.

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Published:

Oct. 3, 2025

Key takeaways

Effective conference presentations balance rigor with clarity. Start by tailoring content to your audience, then structure your talk with a clear storyline. Use clean visuals instead of raw tables, emphasize three or four key takeaways, and practice strong delivery. With preparation, your statistical results can spark real engagement and meaningful discussion. This guide shows how to present data effectively in a statistics presentation.

Presenting research at a conference is a valuable opportunity to share your findings, build your reputation, and spark meaningful discussions with peers. Yet many researchers struggle to transform dense statistical reports into a data presentation that feels clear and compelling. In this article, you'll gain practical strategies to ensure your next conference presentation is professional, engaging, and memorable.

Know your audience

Before preparing slides, consider who will be in the room. Are they specialists in your field, or a more general academic audience? Tailoring the complexity of your presentation ensures accessibility and impact.

Specialist audience: Use domain-specific terminology and include more detailed statistical reporting.

General audience: Focus on the bigger picture, using plain language to explain methods and results.

Structure your story

A clear narrative keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your thought process. A useful framework includes:

Introduction: Define the research question and explain why it matters.
Methods: Share only essential details—avoid overwhelming technicalities.
Results: Highlight the most important findings, not every statistical output.
Discussion: Explain implications, limitations, and next steps.

Think of your presentation as guiding your audience through your reasoning.

How to present statistical results effectively

Raw statistical tables rarely translate well to slides. Instead, replace them with intuitive visuals that focus on clarity and simplicity:

Replace data tables with graphs or charts.
Eliminate unnecessary clutter and highlight key results with bold text or color.
Always label axes and make sure visuals are easy to interpret at a glance.

The goal is to help your audience see the most important results quickly and confidently. Effective data presentation isn’t just about style; it makes your statistical report memorable.

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Focus on key messages

Identify three to four takeaways you want your audience to remember. Examples could be:

“The intervention reduced dropout rates by 15%.”
“Our model correctly predicted outcomes 80% of the time.”

Including key points helps ensure that even if details fade, the core insights remain.

Make it engaging

Statistics can feel complicated and abstract. To make your results resonate:

Tell a story around the data, such as a case study or real-world example.
Use analogies to explain complex ideas in more relatable terms.

These techniques help the audience connect with your findings emotionally.

Design professional slides

Slide design should reinforce—not distract from—your message. Keep in mind to:

Use minimal text, supported by concise bullet points.
Stick to consistent fonts and colors.
Favor charts and diagrams over dense text blocks.

A clean, consistent design keeps the focus on your delivery and your research, instead of just reading slides.

Practice delivery

Strong delivery elevates your presentation. Prepare by:

Rehearsing several times, ideally in front of colleagues.
Timing your talk—conference sessions usually have strict limits.
Anticipating questions and preparing thoughtful responses.

Confidence comes from preparation, and preparation ensures your message lands.

Bringing your research to life

A strong conference presentation requires more than solid research—it demands clarity, storytelling, and connection. By simplifying statistical results into compelling visuals and narratives, you can help your audience engage with your work, remember your key insights, and carry your ideas forward.

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FAQs for presenting statistical results effectively

What is the best way to present statistical results in a presentation?

Use clear visuals instead of raw tables, emphasize 3-4 takeaways, and connect findings to real-world implications.

How do you explain p-values and confidence intervals simply?

Use plain language and analogies. For example: “A p-value shows how likely your result is due to chance. A confidence interval gives a range where the true value probably lies.”

Should I use a table or a chart to present results?

Charts work best for clarity and quick comprehension, while tables are useful for precise values in a written statistical report.

How many slides should a 10-15 minute conference talk have?

About 10-15 slides is typical. Aim for one slide per minute, prioritizing clarity over detail.

How do I present regression results (and what should I leave out)?

Show only key predictors, coefficients, and model fit. Avoid overwhelming your audience with the full regression table—reserve that for the appendix or paper.

How many decimals should I report for means, SDs, p, and correlations?

Generally, two decimals are sufficient. For p-values, report exact values when possible (e.g., p = .032), but use thresholds (e.g., p < .001) for very small values.