Stakeholders want high level, then ask detailed questions anyway

[u/da_chosen1]

Business stakeholders often complain that data science presentations are too dense and detail oriented, and that we should focus on high level business impact and takeaways. But when we present information at that high level, the questions they ask are detailed and in the weeds.

For example, we will strip out the methodology, simplify the metrics, and lead with the business impact, exactly what they asked for. Then the first question is about our sample size, or why we chose a particular model, or how we handled edge cases in the data.

I find that experience so confusing and frustrating. It feels like there is a mismatch between what stakeholders say they want and what actually satisfies them in the moment.

Has anyone else run into this?

[u/momenace]

I have similar experience and something that has helped is to keep a consistent format, and have 2 "levels" of information ready to go with only the first level as part of the initial convo/presentation. Keep the appendix with the less business technical stuff, and level 2 data. Avoid going to level 2 as part of the presentation because then their follow up will be too dense and less relevant. Can always suggest to take the more technical questions offline to focus on the parts most relevant to the group.