Three keys to communicating effectively

Introduction to Data Literacy

Carl Rosseel

Head of Business Intelligence Curriculum, DataCamp

The three keys

Focus

Keeps it relevant, to the point and meaningful

 

Structure

Acts as a guide and increases understandability

 

Form

Ensures it is tailored to its purpose and the audience

Introduction to Data Literacy

Focus

  • Select the right data
  • Select the right visualizations
  • Keep your central message in mind

Introduction to Data Literacy

Building your central message

Describe in a few sentences the take-home message

  1. Problem
  2. Insights
  3. Impact

(Problem) Average math scores of students at University A are in decline for the last three years.

(Insights) Data analysis indicates that more students enroll with a weaker starting knowledge of mathematics.

(Impact) By organizing math summer schools, University A can help students better prepare for the expected knowledge level of mathematics.

Introduction to Data Literacy

Structure

  • Use structuring techniques like storytelling and McCandless
  • Think about visual structure in the lay-out
  • Prepare an outline in advance and use this as a blueprint

Introduction to Data Literacy

Crafting an outline

  1. Introduction
    • Data problem statement
    • Context
    • Objectives
  2. Body
    • Data
    • Analysis
    • Key findings
  3. Conclusions
    • Insights
    • Recommendations

Introduction to Data Literacy

Form

  • Medium: oral vs. written communication
  • Language: technical vs. non-technical
  • Scope: short- vs. long-form

 

To find the appropriate format: think about the purpose of your communication and its audience

Introduction to Data Literacy

Thinking about your audience

  • Who are they?
  • What do they need to know?
  • What do they want?

 

The University board:

  • Non-technical managers
  • Need to know key findings
  • Want specific recommendations
Introduction to Data Literacy

Let's practice!

Introduction to Data Literacy

Preparing Video For Download...