Statistical data and information can be a very powerful tool when presenting ideas and research in either a paper or a speech. They are often used to persuade and convince people when they are confronted with a choice or decision. However, statistics and data can be very challenging to understand, utilize, and apply.

Whenever you are faced with statistical information you will want to ask: Is this data sufficient? Where does the data come from? Who collected this data? How did they collect the data? What other data is needed?