Present Beyond Measure (eBook)

LEA PICA is a data analyst turned Data Storytelling Advocate, international speaker, and workshop facilitator who teaches how to present data and inspire action to thousands of data and marketing practitioners around the world. Her mission is to transform data meeting snoozefests into vehicles for change using the power of neuroscience, storytelling, emotion, and effective communication.

Prologue xi

Act I Conceptualize: Presentation Planning, Story, Structure, and Brainstorming 1

1 Understand Why Effective Data Presentation Is Critical to Good Business 2

2 Be Your Audience 9

3 Learn to Speak Different Audience Languages 17

4 Transmit a Clear Message 23

5 Tell an Actual Story 29

6 Create Conceptual Clarity with Analogies 42

7 Suit Up Your Recommendations for Action 46

8 Translate Your Content into a Persuasive Outline 53

9 Brainstorm Your Content into Slide Format 70

10 Digitize Your Analog Slide Content 77

Act I Intermission 85

Act II Design Your Slides: Slide Graphics, Layout, and Emphasis 86

11 Why Bad Slide Design Is Not a PowerPoint Problem 87

12 Sharpen Their Vision with Preattentive Attributes 97

13 De-fluff Your Slides and Embrace White Space 106

14 The Lethal Downside of Bullet Points 115

15 Create Hype with Your Type 122

16 Harness the Power of Real Imagery 139

17 Master Motion with Simple Animation 162

Act II Intermission 172

Act III Visualize Data: Data Visualization + Storytelling featuring the PICA Protocol Prescription 173

18 Data Storytelling: The Intersection of Conceptualization and Design 174

19 P is for PURPOSE 176

20 I is for INSIGHT 182

21 C is for CONTEXT 194

22 A is for AESTHETICS 201

23 Choose the Right Chart 219

24 Avoid the Most Common Visualization Violations 234

25 Next-Level Charts to (Carefully) Consider 253

26 Create Ethical Data Visualizations 260

27 Build the Story: The PICA Protocol in Action 268

Act III Intermission 281

Act IV Deliver: Public Speaking, Preparation, and Communication Mastery 282

28 Why Does Delivery Even Matter? 283

29 Practice Like the Pros 285

30 Refine Your Speech Patterns 290

31 Master Your Mind and Body 295

32 Master Your Audience and Overcome Challenging Communication 304

33 Beast Mode Techniques for Maximum Audience Engagement 309

34 Send an Effective Presentation Handout 317

Act IV Intermission 324

This Is the End and Just the Beginning 325

Did You Enjoy This Book? 329

Resources 330

Recommended Reading, Resources, and Experts 332

Closing Credits 333

About the author 336

Index 337

"Lea writes that we should 'present data by design, not by default', a principle I've taught for years. This book will show you how in a practical and fun way."
--ALBERTO CAIRO, Knight Chair at the University of Miami and author of The Art of Insight: How Great Visualization Designers Think

"So you've got your dataset and you have a room full of people to impress with it. What now? This is the starting point of Lea's amazing book. Her inimitable style, uncompromising approach to teaching, and unmatched experience conspire to create THE handbook for today's data practitioners."
--SIMO AHAVA, Analytics Developer, Co-founder at Simmer and 8-bit-sheep

"Present Beyond Measure is written from the trenches by someone who has been there and done that; made the mistakes, learned the hard way, and is now sharing insider wisdom to all who would read this book. Plus, it's a delight to read because - Lea Pica knows how to tell a story."
--JIM STERNE, Author of Artificial Intelligence for Marketing

"I've seen Lea Pica capture and engage her audiences with data like no one else. She knows what to do and why it works. This is the book to read if you want to be seen, heard and valued by your stakeholders too."
--ALLISON HARTSOE, CEO of Ambition Data

"I've spent years applying the concepts and techniques from Lea's presentations to my own work as an analyst, and also as a resource and reference as I've coached and guided other analysts. This book packs those ideas and more into a fun and digestible guide for anyone who realizes that an analysis is only as good as the effectiveness with which it is delivered."
--TIM WILSON, Analytics Industry Leader and Co-Host of The Analytics Power Hour Podcast