Making Numbers Talk: How to Get Non-Financial People to Actually Listen

Ever tried explaining cash flow to someone who only hears “blah blah balance sheet”? This session shows you how to make financial information click with anyone — clients, colleagues, or board members — so they get it, remember it, and act on it.

2 CPD units 7 November 2025 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

Turn financial reports into stories people actually understand
Use visuals, tone, and language that grab attention
Know what to say (and what to skip) when talking to non-financial audiences
Build confidence to speak up in meetings and get your point across
Earn more trust by explaining the “why” behind the numbers

Event breakdown

Why financial communication is a deal-breaker
Seeing the world through non-financial eyes
Cutting the jargon and getting to the point
Visual storytelling with numbers
Confident communication in client and board meetings
Practical wrap-up: turning your next report into a conversation

Category: Financial ReportingType: CPD CourseCPD category: Financial Reporting

Description

Numbers don’t speak for themselves — you do. In this fast-paced, practical session, you’ll learn how to turn data into conversations that matter. Forget jargon and spreadsheets that send people to sleep. Instead, learn how to simplify, humanise, and communicate financial information in ways that spark decisions and build trust. Whether you’re advising clients or presenting to management, this session will give you the tools to make your message land — and your voice stand out. Clear communication isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a business advantage.

Presenters

Leana van der Merwe — Leana van der Merwe is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor with over 18 years of experience in business accounting, audit and corporate governance. A former Audit Director and professional-body Technical and Standards Executive, she has guided more than 14,000 professionals through complex regulatory matters. Leana also serves on the PAFA Technical Advisory Group, the IFAC Anti-Money Laundering Committee and the IFRS Foundation SME Implementation Group.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 2 CPD units in Financial Reporting.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser