by admin | Apr 29, 2024 | Data visualization
Pie charts have long been a subject of debate in the world of data visualization, with critics pointing to their limitations and advocating for alternatives. However, it’s important to recognize that when used appropriately, pie charts can offer unique insights and convey information effectively. Rather than dismissing them outright, let’s explore the merits of pie charts and understand when they can be a valuable tool in data representation.
One of the primary strengths of pie charts lies in their ability to showcase the distribution of parts within a whole. This makes them particularly useful for illustrating proportions and percentages in a visually intuitive manner. When you need to quickly compare the relative sizes of various components, such as market shares, budget allocations, or demographic breakdowns, a well-constructed pie chart can provide instant clarity.
Critics often point to the difficulty of accurately comparing angles and sizes in a pie chart. While it’s true that comparing small slices can be challenging, this limitation can be mitigated by emphasizing the proportions rather than precise values. Moreover, modern software allows for the addition of data labels and percentages, making it easier for viewers to grasp the information without relying solely on visual comparisons.
Furthermore, pie charts excel at conveying a simple narrative. For presentations or reports aimed at a general audience, pie charts can quickly communicate the main takeaways without overwhelming viewers with complex data. Their round shape and familiarity make them approachable and inviting, helping to engage a broader audience.
Another compelling advantage of pie charts is their capacity to evoke an emotional response or emphasize a point. For instance, a nonprofit organization might use a pie chart to show the portion of donations that directly fund their projects, creating an emotional connection with donors by highlighting the impact of their contributions.
However, the key to using pie charts effectively is understanding their appropriate context. This is where most users sin. It is very important to remember that pie charts shine brightest when depicting a limited number of categories that make up a whole, rather than when representing intricate datasets with numerous variables. In cases where precise data comparison is essential, bar charts or stacked bar charts might be more suitable.
Pie charts, like any other type of data visualization device, have limitations. Rather than dismissing them entirely, we should acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses, using them judiciously when their unique advantages align with our communication goals. When employed mindfully, they remain a valuable asset in the diverse toolkit of data representation, helping us convey information in a visually compelling and accessible manner.
by admin | Jul 1, 2023 | Storyworks
I remember in grad school, for school assignments, teachers will require a set number of slides as part of grade elements. Many people whose only reference is that experience often complain about high slide counts in presentations. How many slides is too much? How does one go about deciding the right number to include in a presentation? Are there rules which will make this decision an easy one?
Unfortunately, there are no fast rules when it comes to the number of slides in a presentation. It depends on the duration of the presentation, the degree of details you wish to share, and your familiarity with the guidelines of a powerful presentation. Let’s examine the problem with too few slides.
Too few slides
The first problem with the concern over slide count is the density of information crammed into one slide. Too much information on a single slide forces the presenter to use the slide as a crutch. The brain activity required to remember all the points on the slide proves overwhelming. To avoid cognitive overload, it’s very common to see some presenters carry around notes. While not a big problem, paper notes can take the audience away from the main message.
Further, too much information on the slides keeps the presenter from telling his story. Information density is a problem not just for the presenter but also for the audience. Research has shown that when given the option, the brain will always elect to tackle the easiest task available. In this case, it’s much easier to read the slides than to read the slides and listen to the presenter at the same time. Adding too many slides also creates its own troubles.
Too many slides
The primary issue with too many slides is the display speed. To cover the information on all the slides, the presenter will have to go fast. This leaves the audience too little time to capture, let alone retain, the information presented. The frantic pace of the presentation denies the audience the opportunity to learn with the presenter. Too little is a problem, and too many is also a problem. So how do we get to the right number of slides?
My approach
My preferred formula is to not spend more than two minutes on a slide. So if the presentation will last an hour, my deck will have approximately 30 slides. I found this to be a comfortable pace for an effective presentation. However, there is a significant caveat. For this approach to work, the presenter has to invest a lot of time not only in deciding what kind of information makes it onto the slides but also in what kind of information will better serve the story in the speaker notes.
Clearly, there is an answer to the slide problem that seems to work pretty well for most speakers. Too few slides and you end up with high information density problem; too many and you create an information dissemination speed problem. Either one means that the audience has to work much harder to retain the information. A high cognitive load pushes the audience to stop trying to retain information. Great presentations have an easy flow, and the story these presentations tell is in sync with the visuals. That’s the only way to ensure a comfortable audience experience.
by admin | Jun 27, 2023 | Storyworks
Speaker notes, for most people, represent an afterthought. They see this section of their presentations as a nice to have. However, for great speakers, they are essential to the performance. They play a centerpiece role in the approach to slide deck design that departs from the usual type-a-text-in-this-box kind of presentation design. They provide a guide path to the story the presenter wishes to share with the audience.
Many presentation gurus emphasize, with reason, the need to focus on the story. The most ubiquitous of recommendations consists in avoiding putting too much information on any given slide. This recommendation finds its roots in the distractions that a wall of text creates both for the audience and for the presenter. Speaker notes shine in this area particularly well. For example, if an idea has three or more sections, It’s almost always best to put the main idea on the slides and the bullet points in the speaker notes. Why would I give such a piece of advice? I have a few reasons for doing so.
Speaker notes are only visible to the speaker
Speaker notes are only visible to the presenter. The presenter view allows the speaker to quickly glance at the screen to see where the story goes and what is the next crucial element. The audience will notice their absence, but it can sometimes show up in the delivery. Speaker notes allow the presenter to eliminate uncertainty in the delivery.
Presenter competence
As a speaker goes through the presentation, there may be occasional instances in which hesitation becomes apparent. These instances are visible or perceivable in the forms of frequent verbal flubs and the increased presence of filler words. The longer the presentation runs, the more numerous these occurrences become. By allowing the presenter to see which story comes next, speaker notes serve as a protective shield for the presenter’s reputation.
Speaking fluently about a topic is a sign of command of the domain. To paraphrase French poet, Nicolas Boileau, we state clearly the concept we master, and the words to describe said concept come easily. Speaker notes help with clarity and fluency in the way we share the story of our presentation. Hesitant speech can call into question the competence of the speaker and lead the audience to tune out.
Create a space for the story
Without a story, a presentation would prove an exercise in a boring recital of facts. I often argue that facts feel like the barren and unsightly skeleton of a building. They are important, even critical, to the persuasion process. However, without stories, facts are mostly ineffective. You may be asking yourself how speaker notes help me tell a story. They do so by allowing you to create space for the stories you wish to tell. By using speaker notes as a shorthand to guide your way through the story, you drive your message home with a perfect flow.
To wrap it up, speaker notes are not optional for great presenters. If your goal is to join the elite club of people who deliver experiences instead of giving presentations, you owe it to yourself to start using the power of speaker notes. The more you use them, the better you will become at leveraging their power to serve your purpose.
by admin | Jun 24, 2023 | Branding
In today’s highly competitive and crowded marketplace, building a strong brand identity is crucial for any business seeking long-term success. A brand identity encompasses the entire essence and personality of a company. It is what sets a business apart from its competitors and creates a lasting impression on customers. Here are seven key elements to consider when building a successful brand identity.
1. Define your purpose and values
A strong brand identity starts with a clear understanding of your purpose and core values. What does your business stand for? What do you want to achieve? Defining these aspects helps create a foundation upon which your brand identity can be built.
2. Know your target audience
Understanding your target audience is essential for developing a brand identity that resonates with them. Conduct market research to gather insights into your customers’ preferences, needs, and aspirations. Tailor your brand messaging, visual elements, and overall brand experience to appeal to your target audience.
3. Develop a unique brand voice
Your brand voice is how you communicate with your audience. It should reflect your brand’s personality and values consistently across all touchpoints. Whether it’s formal, casual, humorous, or authoritative, the tone of your brand voice should align with your target audience and differentiate you from competitors.
4. Design a visually appealing brand identity
Visual elements such as logos, colors, typography, and imagery play a crucial role in brand recognition. Invest in professional graphic design to create a visually appealing and cohesive brand identity that captures the essence of your business. Consistency in visual branding across all platforms enhances recognition and establishes a strong brand presence.
5. Deliver a consistent brand experience
Building a strong brand identity requires consistency in every customer interaction. From your website to social media, packaging to customer service, every touch-point should reflect your brand values and personality. Consistency builds trust, fosters loyalty, and ensures a memorable brand experience.
6. Engage with your audience and build a community around your brand
Actively engage with your audience through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and events. Encourage customer feedback, respond to inquiries, and participate in conversations related to your industry. Building a strong brand identity involves creating meaningful connections and fostering a sense of community around your brand.
Every successful brand you can think of has a community of supporters that are die-hard fans. Apple, Nike, Adobe, or Google. They all have a community of people around their products and services. People like us do things like this, said Seth Godin, and he is correct.
7. Evolve and adapt
As your business grows and market trends change, it is essential to continually evaluate and refine your brand identity. Stay updated with the latest industry developments and customer preferences. Evolve your brand messaging and visual elements when necessary while staying true to your core values.
In conclusion, building a strong brand identity is a continuous process that requires careful planning, creativity, and consistent execution. A well-defined brand identity differentiates your business, builds customer loyalty, and ultimately contributes to long-term success. Invest the time and resources needed to develop a compelling brand identity, and you’ll reap the rewards of a strong, recognizable, and successful brand in the marketplace.
by admin | Jun 23, 2023 | Storyworks
Presentations are a form of performance, and like any good performance, they need timing and cadence. That doesn’t mean you have to be a professional speaker or an actor—it just means that once you’ve mastered the basics of presenting, you’ll want to fine-tune your presentation so it’s more entertaining to watch and easier for your audience to follow.
The importance of timing and cadence in your presentation
It’s no secret that timing and cadence are important in all aspects of life. Whether you’re working on a presentation, writing an essay, or performing in front of an audience, being able to control the flow of events is an essential skill. If you don’t have it, your audience will be distracted—and they’ll likely start talking among themselves as well!
A good presentation will create a rhythm for your audience members to follow so they can better understand what’s happening. This rhythm should help guide them through their learning process and give them something familiar with which to identify. A bad presentation will feel like a disorganized mess that never lets the audience catch up or grow comfortable enough with the topic at hand. It may not seem like much at first glance, but having an effective cadence can make all the difference between a good presentation and one that leaves people confused and wanting more information elsewhere (or worse still: bored).
Humans respond to timing and cadence
Humans are the most responsive to rhythm and cadence. If you’ve ever noticed how your heart rate speeds up when you’re excited or slows down when you’re relaxed, it’s because humans respond to timing. The same is true for our brains: we can hear the difference between a heartbeat and a metronome—even if they’re playing identical rhythms at different tempos—because of our natural sensitivity to cadence.
If you don’t believe me, try this simple experiment: tap along with your hand or foot as you count from one to ten in an even rhythm (1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10). Then try tapping along again as you count unevenly (7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16). Did your brain feel more comfortable with one pattern over another? The key here is that both patterns were equally even; they just had different amounts of beats per measure!
As speakers, we have control over how many beats we include in each measure—which means we can create our own sense of timing and rhythm on stage by varying our speech patterns accordingly.
Rhythm, rhyme, timing, and cadence in your presentation
Rhythm, rhyme, and cadence are all about timing. A presentation that has no rhythm is like a drum machine with no syncopation; it’ll get the job done, but it won’t be exciting to listen to or fun to dance along with. You want your presentation to have some bounce in its step—a good balance between the calm sections and the fast ones.
Rhythm, rhyme, and cadence make things feel alive because they appeal directly to our emotions by fueling our subconscious minds with sensations of opportunity (e.g., if I hear something that sounds familiar, I should pay attention) or urgency (e.g. if someone is shouting at me).
Rhythm also gives us pleasure by triggering our brain’s pleasure center—the nucleus accumbens—which releases dopamine when we hear something pleasurable (like music). Similarly, rhyming words activate the same area of the brain responsible for romantic feelings like trust and love (the caudate) because they sound similar enough for us to think that they’re related somehow! Rhyming words also give us a sense of control over our environment because every time we hear one come up again later on down in line-by-line text like this article or spoken sentence structure such as dialogue within movies.
How fast should you speak?
We all have different personalities, and it’s important to find the right pace for your speech. If you’re talking too slowly, people won’t be able to follow along and will get bored before the end of your talk. On the other hand, if you speak too quickly and rush through each sentence without giving yourself time to breathe or pause between thoughts, it will seem like a series of unrelated ideas rather than a cohesive narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
The best way to determine how fast is right for you is by listening back to some recordings of past speeches (or podcasts) as well as taking note of what feels comfortable during practice sessions in front of an audience or mirroring audience members who are watching/listening so they can give feedback on whether they felt like they were able to follow along easily enough or if there were any points where they felt lost because they missed something while distracted by their surroundings (this happens more often than we’d like).
Should you speak slower or faster than normal?
In general, the slower you speak, the more you can emphasize important points. If you’re talking about a new product that will help your audience save time and money, for example, slow down as much as possible to make sure they know how much time and money they’ll be saving.
On the other hand, if you’re talking about something less important—for example, a new feature on an app that won’t have any effect on their lives—you can speed up without losing them.
Timing is what makes the difference between a bland presentation and one that sizzles.
A bad presenter will speak too fast, too slow, or get off-track altogether; their material will be too complex for an audience with little time to spare; they’ll ramble on about things no one cares about; or they’ll simply be boring. An effective speaker, on the other hand, has learned how to use timing as an effective tool in their craft: instead of sounding like they’re reading off of notes or reciting memorized lines (which most people do—and it shows), they make eye contact with people throughout the room; pause before delivering key points in order to emphasize them; and vary their tone by lowering it when talking about something serious (like a tragic event) or raising it for comedic effect (e.g., an inside joke).
To find the perfect cadence, think of the heartbeat of your presentation. Does it beat too fast or too slow?
When thinking about cadence, it’s helpful to think of the heartbeat of your presentation. The perfect cadence will be steady and predictable, with no surprises. You want to find the right speed and rhythm for your speech—the right amount of time between each slide so that you can take in what you’ve just said to convey what’s coming next. At first, this might seem like an impossible task: how do you know when a second is too long or too short? Once you get familiar with PowerPoint and how long things take (as opposed to how long they feel), however, it becomes much easier to find that perfect pace. However, beware of the relentless pursuit of the perfect cadence.
It’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of the perfect cadence. Perfection will always be the enemy of good. Remember that different people will have different cadences, and that’s okay. If you feel confident with your current timing and cadence, don’t try to change it. But if you want to make your next presentation stand out from the crowd, I hope these tips will help you find a rhythm that works for you.
by admin | Jun 21, 2023 | Branding
Years ago, when I was a young kid in elementary school, I was as competitive as one can expect a 9-year-old to be. At the end of one semester, I proudly walked home with a grade book. My grades were excellent. In the rankings, I came second. My elder brother looked at my grades with the eyes of a veteran auditor.
His examination completed, he lifted his head and ask me two questions. “It says here that you came in second,” he goes. “Who was first?” I swallowed with difficulty and gave him the name of my classmate, who came first. And he continued: “ What does he know that you don’t? I could not answer that question because. This story always reminds me of brand parity and what it means to business success. In this article, we will delve into the concept of brand parity and explore its effects on business success.
Brand parity
Brand parity refers to the perceived similarity in quality and attributes among different brands within a particular industry. This phenomenon can significantly impact businesses, shaping consumer behavior and influencing the loss or acquisition of market share.
Understanding brand parity
Brand parity occurs when consumers perceive little to no differentiation between competing brands in terms of quality, features, or benefits. It can arise from factors such as product standardization, technological advancements, or the influence of industry norms. As a result, consumers may struggle to distinguish one brand from another, leading to a situation where price becomes the primary differentiating factor. In this situation, the only effective way to influence your consumer’s behavior and beat your competition is to offer the lowest possible price.
Effects on consumer behavior
Brand parity has a profound impact on consumer decision-making. When faced with a market saturated with similar offerings, consumers often resort to making decisions based on price alone. This can erode brand loyalty and make it difficult for businesses to command premium pricing for their products or services. As a result, companies may be forced into price wars, compromising profitability and long-term sustainability.
Challenges for businesses
For businesses, brand parity poses significant challenges. It becomes essential to differentiate themselves from competitors by emphasizing unique selling propositions and creating a distinctive brand image. Think of the “I am Mac“ series of ads. Apple created those campaigns in an effort to tell consumers who they are. When companies fail to differentiate from competitors, they lose market share. Their customers switch to lower-priced alternatives or brands they perceive to be offering better value. In such a scenario, businesses must invest in innovation, customer experience, and marketing strategies to establish a competitive edge and stand out from the crowd.
Opportunities for differentiation
While brand parity can be detrimental, it also presents opportunities for businesses to differentiate themselves creatively. By focusing on innovation, customer service, and building a community of users around their offerings. Many companies have successfully carved out a unique position in the market. Offering exceptional customer experiences (Zappos), personalized interactions (Apple’s Genius Bar), and meaningful brand stories can help businesses break free from the cycle of brand parity.
Brand parity challenges businesses to differentiate themselves. It requires a strategic approach that goes beyond pricing. Companies must build strong brand identities through investments in innovation. These investments include the delivery of exceptional customer experiences. The key here is to compete on attributes other than price. If customers can see the value of your offer, price is the last thing they will think about. It’s up to you whether you can deliver that value and give your brand a chance to stand out in a noisy and crowded marketplace.
by admin | Jun 19, 2023 | Storyworks
There is only one way to accomplish anything in any organization: convincing stakeholders of why the suggested idea is good and how it will further the goals of the organization. I have spoken to more than one person who expressed frustration at the tedium of the process and the uncertain outcomes that most often result from this exercise in persuasion. Inside organizations, people from various fields have to talk to each other. Cross-discipline conversations are difficult for many reasons, chief among them is the tribal language that every domain of specialty has developed.
Product managers have their own language, business people have theirs, and marketing folks equally devised their own. Audit any organization and you will find as many dialects as there are departments. The powers that be in every organization hold each tribe to a very specific set of goals. Competing and sometimes contradictory goals are not uncommon. Every time you listen to someone complain, it’s always about how the other departments do no understand how important their functions are for the bottom line of the company.
It does not matter which departments are in discussion. Sales people think, usually, that they are the engines that fuel the bottom line of the company. The marketing folks believe the same thing. The people who make the product argue that without the product, there is nothing to market or to sell. It may not surprise you to hear HR stakeholders argue that if they don’t maintain the greatest culture, there will be no one left to create the product.
This “who’s more important” game may seem like a normal part of life in any organization. However, many great ideas have died premature and unnecessary deaths because of this tribal competition. The consequences of this apparent lack of appreciation for what others contribute are well known. My goal in this article is to make the case for learning how important it is for anyone who wishes to persuade people in other tribes inside their organization to make an effort.
The effort consists in learning and becoming fluent in the language spoken by the tribe one wishes to convince. Naturally, we only see the world through our own tribal lenses. We listen better when we are spoken to in the language we understand. How do you convince the people in finance that this bright new idea that came to you last night may actually prove phenomenal for the company. If you can’t speak to it in the same terms a finance person will, you have a dead on arrival piece of a good idea on your hands.
While the idea may turn out every bit as successful as you may have thought, you are asking people whose job consist in ensuring that the company hits its quarterly numbers to make a leap of faith with you into the unknown. The only time this happens is if you are capable to speaking in terms that are familiar to them.
I can also argue that learning the language spoken by the other tribes in your organization helps with personal growth. You will eliminate the frustrations that we see in cross-organizational communication. The price for not doing so is a huge loss in productivity, in talent, and finally in opportunity.
So next time you have to communicate with people who live outside of your organization or your professional tribe, try to understand the language they speak. Effective persuasion begins there.
by admin | Jun 18, 2023 | Branding
In the world of business and marketing, the concept of a brand is ubiquitous, yet its true essence remains enigmatic to many. A brand is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it is a powerful force that shapes perceptions, builds loyalty, and establishes an emotional connection with consumers. In this post, we turned our spotlight on the profound meaning of a brand and explore why it holds such significance in today’s competitive landscape.
At its core, a brand is the sum total of a company’s identity, reputation, and promise to its customers. It encompasses the tangible and intangible aspects that distinguish a product, service, or organization from its competitors. A brand represents the values, personality, and unique selling proposition of a business, shaping how it is perceived by its target audience. A brand is the emotional and psychological relationship that customers develop with a company. It is the bridge to fostering trust, and influencing customers’ purchase decisions.
A brand is a multi-dimensional entity comprising various elements. Visual components such as logos, typography, and colors help create recognition and establish an instant connection with consumers. Brand messaging, including taglines, slogans, and brand stories, communicates the brand’s purpose, values, and key differentiators. Moreover, the customer experience, both online and offline, plays a pivotal role in shaping the perception of a brand. From the website design to product packaging to customer service, every touch-point contributes to the overall brand experience.
A strong brand has the potential to be a company’s most valuable asset. It engenders customer loyalty, differentiates a business from its competitors, and creates a lasting impact. It conjures up in the customer’s mind the quality of the buying experience, the product or service’s ease of use, and the after sales problem solving experience. A well-established brand evokes emotions, builds trust, and cultivates a sense of community, leading to increased customer retention, advocacy, and ultimately, sustainable growth.
In today’s cluttered marketplace, a brand is not merely a logo or a name but a powerful strategic tool that helps businesses connect with their target audience on a deeper level. By carefully crafting and nurturing your brand, you can create a lasting impression, foster customer loyalty, and thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.
by admin | Dec 11, 2022 | Personal Development
Heroes have always held a special place in human society. From ancient legends to modern-day icons, they inspire us to dream, overcome challenges, and strive for greatness. In this blog post, we will explore the enduring power of heroes, examining why they captivate our imaginations and how they shape our lives.
Heroes embody qualities and values that transcend ordinary individuals. They epitomize bravery, selflessness, resilience, and unwavering determination. Whether they are fictional characters, historical figures, or real-life heroes, their actions and virtues inspire us to reach beyond our perceived limitations.
Heroes are often celebrated for their ability to triumph over incredible adversity. Their stories demonstrate that we can overcome challenges and setbacks with resilience and determination. This universal theme resonates with people from all walks of life, providing a shared source of inspiration and strength. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, under the most difficult and harrowing conditions. When he became president, he didn’t seek o destroy the people who stole over a quarter of a century of his life. He became a symbol and a role model that reminded us that we too can overcome obstacles.
We see our heroes as role models. They symbolize the virtues that we admire and aspire to embody. Their unwavering integrity, compassion, and determination inspire us to cultivate those qualities within ourselves. Their resilience in the face of impossible odds become the gold standard. We look to their example as a compass to navigate our own moral choices and make a positive impact on the world. They give us the confidence to persevere in the most challenging of situations.
Through their struggles and triumphs, heroes teach us the value of perseverance. They show us that success often comes after numerous setbacks, reinforcing the idea that resilience is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals. Heroes remind us that failure only materializes when we stop trying. They show that consistent actions will inevitably lead to change.
Heroes have the power to ignite social and cultural transformation. Their ideals can challenge societal norms, inspire movements, and encourage others to take a stand for what they believe in. Heroes have always been the catalysts for change that the masses need to follow. It takes tremendous courage to go against societal norms. And they take serious personal risks to help us remember that as individuals, we have the power to influence and shape a better world. Political independence was impossible until people like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah demonstrated them to be achievable.
Heroes are not just figures of imagination or history; they represent the embodiment of our collective aspirations. They ignite the spark of inspiration within us, urging us to break free from limitations and pursue our dreams. By embracing the lessons and virtues of heroes, we can find the strength to overcome adversity, cultivate our own heroic qualities, and make a positive impact on the world around us.
