Best of 2024: Data Storytelling and Visualization with Lea Pica from Present Beyond Measure
DataFramed
Deep Dive
Why is communication the most desired soft skill for data analysts and data scientists?
Communication is crucial because it enables data practitioners to turn the results of an analysis into a narrative that the audience can understand, making it easier to have an impact and inspire action based on the data.
How can data storytelling be enhanced by using conflict and high stakes?
By finding a conflict or a high-stakes situation, you can captivate your audience and make your data story more memorable. The conflict should highlight what is standing in the way of stakeholders reaching their goals, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the data insights.
What is the stakeholder savvy quadrant and how does it help in data storytelling?
The stakeholder savvy quadrant helps prioritize different groups in the audience, such as decision makers, systems enablers, and technical experts. It ensures you tailor your presentation to the needs and expectations of each group, making your insights more relevant and actionable.
Why is it important to limit the number of key points in a presentation?
The human brain can only hold 3 to 6 chunks of information in working memory. Limiting key points helps the audience remember and take action on the most important information, rather than being overwhelmed and forgetting everything.
What are the most common types of plots used in business presentations?
The most common types of plots are bar charts, pie charts, and line charts, in that order. Line charts are particularly useful for showing trends over time, while bar charts are good for aggregate information.
How can imagery beyond data visualizations improve a presentation?
Using real-life imagery, such as photographs or customer avatars, can increase engagement and create a more emotional connection with the audience. Iconography and screenshots of relevant situations or tools can also help reinforce the visual absorption of the content.
What are some ethical considerations when using AI to generate content for presentations?
While AI can be a helpful tool for generating content, it's important to disclose its use and ensure the final content is reviewed and accurate. AI-generated content should be seen as an assistant, not an expert, and used to enhance, not replace, human creativity and control.
What is the through line in a data presentation and how does it help?
The through line is a single sentence that summarizes the entire presentation. It acts as a North Star, helping to focus the content and keep the audience engaged by clearly outlining the problem, the conflict, and the solution.
How can you improve your speaking skills to avoid monotony in presentations?
Record yourself presenting and listen for patterns that make you sound monotonous. Reading children's bedtime stories can help bring variation to your cadence and make your speech more engaging. Dr. Seuss is particularly useful for improving diction and adding humor.
What is the best advice for someone starting their first business presentation?
Think hard about who you are speaking to and what they care about. Tailor your presentation to their needs and interests, and avoid talking to an audience of yourself. Make it about them, not about you.
- Effective data stories need conflict, showing what prevents stakeholders from achieving success.
- Understanding audience savvy is key to tailoring your story.
- Data presentations should be treated like sales pitches to decision-makers.
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