How to Present Data Without Putting People to Sleep
The first time I put someone to sleep with a data presentation was around 2002 and I’ve done it a few times since then, so I’ve had a lot of time to think about why this happens.
Solid data collection methods and analysis aren’t the only components to data-driven decision making in schools. Sharing that data is important too. After all, your teammates won’t be making decisions if they’re napping.
In this video, I talk about a simple technique I’ve been using to connect with people when sharing data. I take the steps I use to analyze data and I do them in reverse when I present data. Here’s what I mean:
How I Analyze Data
Collect data and review it
Identify one or two themes across multiple data points
Craft a compelling story based on one of the data points. Focus on people
How I Share About Data
Tell a compelling story based on a theme. Focus on people
Name the relevant theme that came up from the data points
Point to one or two data points that illustrate the theme
