1. How is knowledge shared
Welcome! I'm Joe and I will be your instructor for this course on sharing insights and becoming more effective communicators with data.
2. About the course
Topics include understanding how knowledge and insights are shared, creating compelling visualizations, and then bring it all together with an introduction to Data Storytelling. We have a lot to cover, so let's get right into it.
3. How we communicate
Before we get into sharing insights, we should understand how we communicate with one another.
Communication comes in a few different forms, each with its strengths, weaknesses, and keys to success. The four types of communication are written, visual, nonverbal, and verbal.
Adept communicators blend these four methods to create unique and impactful messages that linger in the minds of their audiences.
4. How we communicate
At the surface level, each way seems pretty straightforward. Written communication is anything written on a page or in a presentation.
5. How we communicate
Visual communication is charts, graphs, pictures, and videos.
6. How we communicate
Nonverbal communication may be the trickiest to conceptualize at first since it encompasses actions like facial expressions, posture, and eye contact.
7. How we communicate
Verbal communication is anything spoken and heard.
There is much more hiding under the surface to be mindful of to become a more assertive communicator.
8. Written communication
Developing strong written communication skills relies on two key concepts. Utilizing an appropriate message format and being concise.
Creating a wall of incomprehensible text to respond to a simple message or writing a single paragraph to describe a complex business analysis are great examples of employing an incorrect message format. Maintaining audience expectations for standard formatting and delivery removes a large barrier of entry for sharing information.
While determining the format and content of the message, it is essential to be concise without leaving important details behind. Being concise relies on having a clear statement in mind and understanding what supporting information is needed to understand and appreciate that statement. Striking a balance between overly explaining something and leaving information behind is one of the biggest challenges with written communication.
9. Showing and telling
Visual communication is the most common form of communication in the digital era. Pictures, videos, gifs, charts, graphs, and infographics are all forms of visual communication that bombard us daily. Visual communication is so popular because it is much easier to digest and can hit a much wider audience than written communication.
Success in visual communication relies on the same principles as written communication, conciseness, and format but does it a bit differently. Since visual communication is so easy to digest, being concise leads to much fewer visual elements and opportunities for distraction, allowing for an easier-to-understand message. This simplicity blends with the format selected to display the message.However, picking the ideal format is much trickier than written communications since there are expansive guidelines on visual representation of information and best practices associated with each method that it can easily become overwhelming.
Visual communication is a great way to hook someone to your message. Following that up with written communication is a great pairing that grabs the attention and delivers a deeper message.
10. Let's talk
Nonverbal and verbal communication round out the last two methods of communicating. Keys to verbal success are more straightforward than the others.
Choosing the right tone for your audience and keeping a consistent message are the basics for success. Becoming a strong verbal communicator relies heavily on practice and flexibility. Being able to alter the delivery method, and highlight new areas and connect with the audience in real time is one of the greatest strengths of verbal communication and something not possible with traditional written and visual forms of communication.
This flexibility is something that many new communicators overlook when preparing to deliver their message. Following a rigid script and not being prepared to pivot deprives the audience of the power of verbal communication.
The main avenue for gathering feedback is from nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication illustrates how well the message is performing and if the audience is engaged with the communication or it is missing the mark. Facial expressions, posture and eye contact are good examples of how nonverbal communication manifests itself in the audience and are things to be on the lookout for.
11. Let's practice!
Before moving on, lets try some exercises to reinforce these ideas and become better communicators together.