Make your data sing in 3 steps
1. CutNumbers are chocolate for the brain. Too much, and you get sick. Cut the number of data points you’ll share.
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2. ConnectConnect it to something that is easily understood.
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3. CreateCreate a memorable story that’s easy for others to share.
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How might you compare millionaires vs billionaires?
1. CutCUT: Ave millionaire worth 1.6 mil.
CUT: Ave billionaire worth 4.1 bil CUT: Bezos: 175 bil, 1 mil vs 1 bil |
2. ConnectIt’s hard to relate to a billion dollars. It’s easy to relate to time.
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3. Create1 million seconds is about 11 days. 1 billion seconds is about 32 years. The difference is massive. That’s why we should encourage billionaires to do more.
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How might you show how serious mental illness is?
1. CutIn the US, mental illness affects 1 in 5 Americans every year.
CUT: 1/5 children seriously CUT: 1/25 adults seriously CUT: More than 50% will be diagnosed in their lifetime. |
2. Connect20% is too abstract. 1 in 5 is better. We all know at least 5 people. 1 out of 5 friends strikes at the heart.
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3. CreateThink of the 5 people closest to you. One of them is likely experiencing mental illness this year.
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Tips
AccuracyPrecise numbers give credibility but are harder to remember.
Instead of percentages, try 1 out of ____. |
Create impactConnect numbers to familiar and loved things, like family and favorite activities.
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Show significanceShow how big or small the number is by contrasting it with something else.
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Questions to ask yourself
Are these numbers large or small? Is there an emotional punch? What image does it make? |
What’s surprising about it? How memorable is it? How will people react? |