3 Ways Statistics Create Better Business Writing

by | Oct 21, 2013

bigstock-beautiful-businesswoman-leanin-45292330Do you hear the word statistics and yawn?

This cousin to math can get a bad rap.

  • Boring
  • Meaningless
  • Exaggerated

That last point may be true.

I’ve written more than one post regarding the danger of twisting statistics. I often share one of my favorite quotes.

“There are three kinds of lies – lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
Mark Twain

But, let’s look at how the judicious use of statistics creates better business writing.

#1 – Keeps business writing simple

You may look at our first point and think ~

  • What the heck?
  • How do numbers make writing simple?

Statistics add visual aid.

I think we would all agree that business writing peppered with statistics is seldom a simple read.

Depicting those statistics in a visual form helps simplify your point.

What better way to simplify my point than with an illustration?

The 2013 Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefit reported in the last decade, the average annual health insurance premium for family coverage increased from $9,068 in 2003 to $16,351 in 2013, an 80 percent increase.

Zzzzz – oops, sorry. Nodded off there.

Let’s try this.

Premium Increase

Okay, so it’s not the greatest graphic. That’s why God invented graphic artists, but you get the idea.

Use the power of statistics to visualize your point.

#2 – Keeps business writing clear

We fall into the trap of using vague descriptions in our business writing.

  • Some
  • Most
  • Many

Statistics add perspective.

Consider the following example.

Most of the survey responses were favorable.

That’s simple, right?

Perhaps.

How would your perspective change by inserting the following statistic?

Most (51 percent) of the survey responses were favorable.

Sure, 51 percent is most, but that statistic offers a different view than a result of 80 percent or 95 percent.

As my dad always said – everything’s relative.

#3 – Keeps business writing unique

Two deadly words associated with business writing are boring and bland.

  • Rattled-off statistics bore readers
  • Offer readers your own unique spin on statistics

Try the Four – I formula.

Images + Infographics + Icons = Interest

On the other hand ~

  • Using bland words like many, most, some are like cooking without spices
  • Statistics add spice

Use your unique blend of statistics and words for better business writing.

How do you use statistics in your business writing?

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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Big Stock Photo Credit 

4 Comments

  1. Diana Schneidman

    Cathy,

    “Statistics add spice.” What a great way of saying it!

    As we become more attuned to using statistics in our writing, we’re constantly on the lookout for good data. Often we find the data and then develop a topic for content creation that employs the data. Listening for statistics we can use for our own writing and for clients becomes second nature.

    Thanks,

    Diana

    Reply
    • Cathy

      Hi Diana: Thank you for the nice words. Feel free to steal that line. 😉

      That’s an interesting approach to start with the data. Typically, we go looking for data to prove our point. I like that twist. 🙂

      Thanks for sharing your approach and thoughts, Diana.

      Reply
  2. Alicia Rades

    I think you did a perfect job of showing how to properly use statistics. I especially like point #1, and I think point #2 is important in blog writing, too. No one cares about “many” people, but they do care about 51 percent even if they don’t remember the specific stat. All that matters is the impact that stat has and that they remember the overall message.

    Reply
    • Cathy Miller

      Thank you, Alicia. You do like your numbers. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective. I appreciate it.

      Reply

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