6 engaging ways to share financial results
Effective financial communication is key to maintaining employee engagement. Here is how to do it right.
By Raquel Cruz
Financial results communication involves sharing a company's performance metrics in a clear and engaging manner, ensuring all stakeholders understand the financial health and direction of the business. Effective communication fosters transparency, building trust among employees, management, and investors alike. Engagement is key; employees who understand financial outcomes feel more connected to the company’s goals and are more motivated to contribute. Here is how to do it right.
What is financial results communication?
Financial results communication refers to the process of sharing a company’s financial story with the people who need to know – both inside and outside the business. It involves presenting information such as revenues, profits, expenses, and other relevant financial indicators.
But it's not just about delivering raw data. It’s telling the story behind those numbers – what they mean, how the business is performing, and what direction it’s heading in. Employees want to see how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Investors want to know how their money is being used and whether the business is growing. And leadership needs to ensure everyone is aligned with the company’s goals.
“Instead of just presenting numbers, wrap them in a narrative. Share the journey of how those figures came to be”
In short, the goal of financial results communication is to make sure everyone is involved, from your staff to shareholders, and that everyone has solid grasp of where the company stands and where it’s going next. It builds trust, and helps people stay connected to the company's vision.
Why it matters?
When we talk about effective communication within a business, we're diving into something that can significantly shape the workplace experience. Here’s why it’s so important.
1. Boosts team collaboration
When everyone’s on the same page, teamwork thrives. Open lines of communication mean that team members can easily share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and tackle projects together. It creates a culture where collaboration becomes second nature.
2. Drives employee engagement
Engaged employees are happier employees. By keeping everyone in the loop about company news, goals, and achievements, you create a sense of belonging. Regular updates and check-ins invite feedback and ideas, making employees feel valued and integral to the team.
3. Supports better decision-making
Good communication helps get the right info to the right people at the right time. When employees have access to essential insights and data, they’re empowered to make informed choices. This means better outcomes for everyone involved.
4. Makes change easier
It's important to acknowledge that change can be daunting. Whether it’s a new policy or a company-wide shift, effective internal communication is key to managing these transitions smoothly. When you clearly explain the “why” behind changes, you help alleviate uncertainty and get everyone on board.
5. Fosters a positive work culture
Open and honest communication builds trust within teams. When employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns, it creates a friendly, transparent environment. A positive workplace culture is great for morale and helps in retaining top talent.
6. Drives performance
At the end of the day, effective internal communication leads to better performance. Companies that prioritize communication often see increased productivity and efficiency. When teams are aligned and working toward common goals, amazing results can follow.
How to share results?
When it comes to sharing financial results, it’s important to make information easy to digest and engaging. Here are some friendly tips to keep in mind:
1. Tell a story with your data
Instead of just presenting numbers, wrap them in a narrative. Share the journey of how those figures came to be – what challenges were faced, what victories were celebrated, and where the company is headed next. A good story makes the data stick.
2. Get visual
People love visuals. Use charts, graphs, and infographics to make your data pop. Visuals help break down complex information into bite-sized pieces, making it way easier for everyone to understand of what’s going on.
3. Slice the info
Don’t overwhelm your audience with plenty of data all at once. Break it down into smaller sections. Highlight the key metrics and insights so they stand out. This way, people can focus on what really matters without getting lost in the numbers.
4. Make it interactive
Keep things lively by adding interactive elements like clickable dashboards or quick quizzes related to the data. Getting people involved can spark interest and help them connect with the information.
5. Keep it short
Simplicity is key. Use clear and straightforward language, and focus on the most important points. Discard the jargon that might leave people scratching their heads, and get right to the heart of the message.
6. Use videos and audio
Short videos or audio clips can be great for summarizing the results. A quick message from a team leader or the CEO can make the data feel more relatable and human.
7. Give it context
Help everyone understand why the numbers matter. Explain how they tie into past performance and what they mean for the company’s future. This context can make the results feel more relevant and impactful.
Types of financial communication
Communicating results doesn't have to be a lengthy or grey process. You want to grab attention, make the information clear, and keep people interested. Here are some dynamic and engaging approaches to sharing financial outcomes.
1. Year in review landing page
A year in review landing page is a great way to showcase your company's wins and financial performance in a fun, engaging way. It’s like a one-stop shop where employees, investors, and stakeholders can check out all the highlights from the past year without sorting through a mountain of documents.
This page is all about storytelling. Combine text, eye-catching images, and interactive elements to make your message pop. You can include sections that celebrate major achievements, share key financial metrics, and highlight significant milestones.
Example: Add clickable charts that reveal more details when hovered over or a timeline that showcases key events throughout the year. Plus, add a short video message from the CEO discussing future goals, and add some infographics that summarize each department's achievements in a fun way. Don’t forget to include links to related resources, like detailed reports or team spotlights, so those interested can dive deeper into specific topics.
2. Infographics
Turn your data into a story with infographics. They blend information with design to make even the most complex data sets easier to digest. Infographics work especially well for presenting key takeaways or summarizing quarterly results.
Example: Instead of a detailed report on website traffic over three months, create a simple infographic showing how traffic grew, which sources performed best, and the impact of specific marketing efforts. You can even use free tools like Canva to make one quickly.
3. Video recaps
A short video can be much more engaging than a document or email. A quick video recap of the key results, using visuals and even some on-screen text, is a fun way to communicate with your team or clients. It also adds a personal touch.
Example: Create a two-minute video where you walk through your sales or performance results. Use screen sharing to highlight important data and add commentary. This way, you can communicate the why behind the numbers and keep it personal.
4. Internal newsletters
Internal newsletters can be a powerful tool for sharing results, but they must capture attention from the outset. With 64% of email readers opening emails based on the subject line alone, it's essential to craft short, direct, and engaging titles. Using infographics helps convey information visually, making it easier for employees to absorb the key points.
Example: don’t limit your newsletters to just internal results; include updates on relevant industry news and trends. This keeps your team informed about the broader landscape and encourages discussions around new ideas and strategies.
5. Video tour
A video tour is a fun and engaging way to present your company's financial results. You can spice things up with some creative effects, like animations where numbers pop up on screen or visual cues that emphasize important points. This keeps the audience engaged and makes it easier to digest complex information.
Example: Create a short video where your spokesperson walks through the financial results and major milestones. They might point out impressive growth figures, share exciting projects, and even discuss future goals. You can also add fun graphics or animations to highlight significant stats as they’re mentioned, which makes the content more dynamic. For instance, when discussing revenue growth, have a graph animate to show the increase over the year.
6. Motion graphics
Sometimes, numbers and charts alone just don’t cut it. Motion graphics are a great way to transform dry corporate data into something more engaging and memorable. By combining illustrations, live-action footage, 3D elements, or even green screen videos, you can turn complex information into a visual story that sticks with your audience.
Example: Instead of relying on static Excel charts or basic tables, bring your results to life with animated graphs and visuals that highlight key points. Studies show that people retain about 65% of what they see in a visually rich format, compared to just 10% when presented with plain text or basic visuals.
Don’ts of financial communication
When it comes to presenting financial data, there are a few common missteps that can derail your message. Here are some don’ts to keep in mind:
Don’t overwhelm your audience with materials
If someone sends you a 30-page packet before a presentation, the chances of you actually reading it are pretty slim. Instead of overwhelming your audience in paperwork, keep it simple. Send out concise releases that hits all the key points. Aim for a format that’s quick and easy to digest, capturing their attention and getting them excited for what’s to come.
Don’t start on a negative note
Financial reports can sometimes paint a gloomy picture, but starting your presentation with bad news isn’t the best approach. Find a silver lining and highlight it at the start. This sets a positive tone and helps engage your audience right away. Whether it’s celebrating how far the company has come or mentioning a new, profitable venture, starting with a positive point can make all the difference.
Don’t dodge the tough questions
It’s natural to want to avoid difficult questions, but dodging them can create distrust. The goal is to inspire confidence and encourage open dialogue, so be prepared. Before your presentation, think through potential questions and have solid responses ready. If there’s a dip in sales, for instance, explain why it happened and how you're tackling the issue.
Don’t use jargon or complex terminology
While you might be well-versed in finance language, your audience may not share the same level of understanding. Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that can confuse listeners. Instead, aim for clear, straightforward language that everyone can grasp. This makes your presentation more accessible and ensures that your audience stays engaged.
Don’t make conclusions for your audience
While you might want to steer your audience toward a particular takeaway, it’s essential to present the facts and let them draw their own conclusions. Many finance leaders fall into the trap of trying to sway opinions too heavily. You can suggest a recommendation, but the board or audience should ultimately make their own decisions based on the information you provide. Stick to the facts, and let the data speak for itself.
How we can help
Changing the way you present financial results to your internal teams can make all the difference in fostering understanding, engagement, and motivation. Gone are the days of dull presentations filled with static slides that leave everyone checking their watches. By embracing innovative formats like Augmented Reality, motion graphics, and interactive webcasts, you can create experiences that captivate your audience and bring your data to life.
So, why not take the plunge and change the way your team interacts with financial information? Get in touch with us today and let's create compelling, interactive experiences that will inspire your team to take action.
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