Final answer:
After identifying their audience, data analysts need to determine what their audience needs to know, what they already know, and how to communicate effectively. This includes defining the situation and purpose of the project and crafting a relevant thesis, while considering the modes and media for communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
To communicate clearly with stakeholders and team members, a data analyst must ask themselves four key questions after identifying their audience. The remaining three questions prompted after considering the audience are as follows:
- What does my audience need to know?
- What does my audience already know?
- How can I communicate effectively to my audience?
It's essential for a data analyst to gauge the audience's existing knowledge about the subject to determine the baseline from which to start the communication. Understanding the needs of the audience helps to tailor the presentation of data such that it is relevant and comprehensible to them. Determining the best methods to communicate effectively involves considering the cultural, social, and personal context of the audience as well as the modes and media of communication to convey the message clearly and persuasively.
Define the Situation and Your Purpose
Before beginning a project, a data analyst should define the situation that the project focuses on, and clarify the purpose of the project. This helps in creating a clear narrative and aligning the project's outcomes with the intended audience's expectations and needs. Crafting a relevant thesis or line of inquiry also directs the research and the information presented, staving off irrelevant details.
Overall, a data analyst should always seek additional knowledge where gaps exist, enhance their arguments with research, interviews, and data collection, and consider appropriate modes and media for reaching the targeted audience effectively.