You're presenting data to diverse audiences. How can you tailor your storytelling for maximum impact?

Rule number 1 would be: don't refer to "data"! If you have an audience which may or may not be comfortable with their own ability to use or understand data, assume everyone is on the less comfortable side. Rule number 2 is: tell a story. Imagine telling a story to children (or even listening to a news report), you don't fill it full of statistics. You hear a tale. Telling a story is a magical, imaginative process, not a mechanical, engineered one. Research a basic "story arc" and devote your energy to thinking about how your story can be told effectively as a story. Rule number 3: use language which is human. Logic is important, yes. But so is an element of humour, modesty, humility. Aim for "quiet authority" to make your story stick.

Distinguish between "data outputs" and "data outcomes". An example of a data output is "100 textbooks were purchased for Grade 1 students", the data outcome is "100 students learned to read". A data output can be quantified financially, a data outcome is a less tangible big picture benefit. For technical and mid-level management audiences, dig into the details and financials discussing the data outputs -> "100 textbooks were purchased for Grade 1 students". For high level audiences, external clients and story-telling, focus on the data outcomes -> "100 students learned to read".

Step 1: Introduce the Challenge Explain the problem you're trying to solve Why it matters and who it affects Step 2: The Journey Share how you gathered information to understand the issue What you learned and what surprised you Step 3: Key Findings Summarize the main discoveries in simple terms Use visual aids (pictures, charts) to illustrate key points Step 4: Understanding the Problem Explain what's causing the issue How it impacts people and organizations Step 5: The Solution_ Present your proposed solution and its benefits How it addresses the initial problem Step 6: How We Got Here_ Briefly explain the methods used to arrive at the solution (Avoid technical jargon)

Below are some of the basic steps that need to be addressed to maximize impact on the audience: 1. Understand the audience and their data literacy level for effective customization. 2. Minimize clutter by removing unnecessary visual elements such as gridlines, background colors, etc. 3. Use color meaningfully and maintain consistency across different infographics, but avoid overwhelming the viewer. 4. Tailor the story by simplifying and relating the data to the audience’s specific concerns or interests, offering clear interpretations.

1. Know Your Audience Demographics: Consider age, profession, cultural background, and familiarity with the subject. 2. Define Your Purpose:Always align your narrative with the outcome you want. 3. Use Relatable Characters and Scenarios 4. Simplify Complex Data Clarity Over Complexity: Distill the essence of the data into bite-sized, easily digestible pieces. . 5. Engage Emotions Emotional Connection: Storytelling is more memorable when it evokes emotions. 6. Incorporate Visuals Simplified Visuals for Clarity: Visuals help break down data. 7. Adapt Your Delivery 8. Practice and Get Feedback Practice your story in front of smaller, diverse groups to gauge what resonates.