The fifth and final writing tip is to make use of data analysis in presenting your arguments.  A picture speaks a thousand words and interpreting relevant data is a crucial element of this.

• Fully interrogate your data so you understand what it’s telling you.  Excel has lots of tools to help you dig into it.
• Consider how best to present the analysis to tell your story.  There are a vast number of visual options available, so find something that works well with your message.
• Keep an open mind and look for other patterns in the data.  You never know what surprises might emerge.
• Prejudge questions that will arise and address them in your writing so there is no doubt that you have considered all avenues.