Avoid the “Wikipedia Page Presentation”

Avoid the Wikipedia Page presentation

Joe Friday, the fictional character from the old television show Dragnet, never actually uttered the phrase “Just the facts, ma’am.” But thanks to parodies of the program, that phrase is inextricably linked with the TV detective.

Too often, presenters end up delivering just the facts. That’s a mistake. Facts don’t always stand on their own – and when they don’t, they’re subject to misinterpretations that change your meaning entirely.

How can you present relevant facts without them becoming indiscriminate waves of information that engulf your audience?

In the following video, Throughline’s Brad Phillips shares two examples of facts that didn’t work – and how to make sure your facts land exactly as you intend. Just remember these five words: Don’t be a Wikipedia page.