Public Relations

Communicating Data and Statistics to the Public

Data and statistics are powerful but easily misunderstood. This course covers communicating numbers to non-specialist audiences: understanding data basics, choosing what matters, explaining uncertainty and risk, effective charts, writing about numbers, avoiding misleading presentation and responding to misuse of statistics.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Badly communicated numbers confuse audiences and erode trust. You will learn to present data clearly and honestly.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Data storytelling exercises, chart makeovers, writing practice and case studies of statistical misuse.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand key data and statistical concepts
Select the most important numbers
Explain uncertainty and risk
Design clear, honest charts
Write clearly about numbers
Respond to misuse of statistics

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Communication and PR professionals
Statisticians and analysts
Government communication staff
Journalists and content writers
Policy officers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Data literacy
Selection
Uncertainty communication
Chart design
Number writing

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Numbers and Audiences

09:00–10:08Why numbers confuse
10:08–11:00Data basics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Data basics (continued)
11:45–12:53Case studies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Choosing the Story

09:00–10:08What matters
10:08–11:00Context and comparison
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Context and comparison (continued)
11:45–12:53Framing
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Uncertainty and Risk

09:00–10:08Explaining uncertainty
10:08–11:00Relative and absolute risk
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Relative and absolute risk (continued)
11:45–12:53Examples
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Charts

09:00–10:08Chart choice
10:08–11:00Honest design
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Honest design (continued)
11:45–12:53Chart makeovers
12:53–14:00Hands-on

Day 5Writing and Misuse

09:00–10:08Writing about numbers
10:08–11:00Misleading statistics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Misleading statistics (continued)
11:45–12:53Corrections
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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