Foreword / by Ethan Bueno de Mesquita -- Introduction. Why should you learn to tell stories with data? -- Telling stories with data about people for people -- Finding meaning in the data -- Using data to solve wicked problems with integrity.
Summary:
"The value and prominence of data has never been clearer. From the way we make policies at the highest levels, all the way down to our daily business practices, we try to be informed by data. The ability to not only analyze data but also to present it clearly and compellingly has become an important part of many people's work. In clear, well-organized chapters, Chrisinger and Brodsky introduce key concepts for communicating data and its usefulness. Across the fields of public health, health policy, and public policy more generally, but also in many other places, policymakers, advocates, and researchers will benefit from the big-picture overview and practical details presented by the authors"-- Provided by publisher. "A guide for how to tell clear, data-driven stories that will make an impact. People with important evidence-based ideas often struggle to translate data into stories their readers can relate to and understand. And if leaders can't communicate well to their audience, they will not be able to make important changes in the world. Why do some evidence-based ideas thrive while others die? And how do we improve the chances of worthy ideas? In Because Data Can't Speak for Itself, accomplished educators and writers David Chrisinger and Lauren Brodsky tackle these questions head-on. They reveal the parts and functions of effective data-driven stories and explain myriad ways to turn your data dump into a narrative that can inform, persuade, and inspire action. Chrisinger and Brodsky show that convincing data-driven stories draw their power from the same three traits, which they call people, purpose, and persistence. Writers need to find the real people behind the numbers and share their stories. At the same time, they need to remember their own purpose and be honest about what data says-and, just as importantly, what it does not. Compelling and concise, this fast-paced tour of success stories-and several failures-includes examples on topics such as COVID-19, public diplomacy, and criminal justice. Chrisinger and Brodsky's easy-to-apply tool kit will turn anyone into an effective and persuasive evidence-based writer. Aimed at policy analysts, politicians, journalists, teachers, and business leaders, Because Data Can't Speak for Itself will transform the way you communicate ideas"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.