ABOUT THIS EPISODE
We've waited at least seven years to do this presentation breakdown! Hans Rosling is one of the pioneers of data storytelling, and his 2012 TEDx Summit talk "Religion and Babies" is one of our all-time favourites.
On paper, this presentation probably shouldn't work. It tackles religion, fertility, population growth, and income. He uses a complex bubble plot with multiple (it must be at least 5) variables, hundreds of data points and even animation. Yet somehow, it's remarkably easy to follow.
In this breakdown, Kate and Thomas look at exactly how he pulls it off. From his bold opening and carefully constructed question, to the way he introduces complex data one piece at a time, narrates his visualisations and even turns cardboard boxes into one of our favourite data visualisations ever.
And we unpack three key things Rosling does exceptionally well: drip-feeding, using physical data visualisation, and posing a question at the beginning that keeps us invested all the way to the answer.
There's a reason we still hold the late Hans Rosling up as one of the greats of data storytelling.
What You'll Learn:
- How to open confidently when tackling a potentially sensitive topic
- How to drip-feed complex data without overwhelming your audience
- Why even a complex chart can work when it's explained exceptionally well
- Why you should explain what your data is before explaining what it means
- How posing a question can keep an audience invested in the answer
- Why physical data visualisation is so memorable
- The value of stripping away unnecessary precision and using rounded numbers
- How to finish with a clear recommendation for what your audience should do next
Our Rating:
11/10 from Kate. 10/10 from Thomas. Apparently our rating scale no longer has rules.
Watch It Yourself:
Hans Rosling - Religions and babies: https://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_religions_and_babies
Resources:
- Influential Analyst Academy: https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/iaa/
- Email us: podcast@presentationboss.com.au
- The Presentation Boss Podcast: https://www.presentationboss.com.au/podcast
- Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling
- Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au
