Hi #SmartCommunity friends!  Welcome to a very special series here on the Smart Community Podcast, all about data storytelling. As part of my PhD research, I’ve been speaking with experts from all over the world who are using data visualizations and storytelling in real world projects to support decision making and advocacy.

This work is deeply aligned with the smart community ethos, bringing people on the journey as we use data to communicate ideas,  share insights, and ultimately make better, more informed decisions together.

In this episode of the Smart Community Podcast, we are kicking off the series with friend of the pod and repeat guest, Jonathan Reichental. He’s been on the show 3 times before, in Episodes 77, 251 and 275. Jonathan is a technologist, educator, author and entrepreneur whose career spans media, city government, business and education, so he brings a wealth of insight and experience to this conversation.

Jonathan and I discuss the role of data visualisation in technology and business, the key components of effective data storytelling and the importance of understanding and considering your audience. We explore some of the challenges and issues with data visualisation, such as lack of training and tools, incorrect or outdated data, information overload and data misuse.

Jonathan tells us the elements that make data visualisations impactful and shares some examples to check out, too.  We finish our chat discussing Jonathan’s advice and recommendations for effective data storytelling. As always, we hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed making it.

What we cover in this episode:

• Jonathan’s diverse background as a technologist, educator, author, and entrepreneur across consulting, media, city government (CIO of Palo Alto), and entrepreneurship
• The three key components of effective data storytelling: data, visuals, and meaning
• How data visualisation appears in business contexts, particularly in pitch decks and startup presentations
• The critical importance of understanding your audience demographics, culture, context, and timing when creating visualisations
• Major challenges in data visualisation including lack of training in tools and storytelling skills, using incorrect or outdated data, and information overload
• The risks of data misuse and how it can damage credibility and trust with audiences
• Impactful examples of data visualisations including two videos that Jonathan has used throughout his career
• Elements that make data visualisations compelling: simplicity, clarity, focus, and emotional engagement
• The importance of practicing presentations and seeking feedback before presenting
• Advice for effective data storytelling: focus on audience needs, keep visuals simple and consistent, use credible data
• Recommended resources for learning data storytelling techniques

Quotes:

“You need data, you need visuals and you need meaning. Those are the three components of [data storytelling].”

“ As a technologist, as a leader, I have seen data be used in every single type of capacity to convince and to communicate. So fast forward to today, I’m seeing data storytelling almost every single day. Whether that’s through the many reports that I consume that help inform me to help my students or through the pitch decks that startups share with me now in my life.”

“We’re human… We’re actually limited believe it or not. And so when you present someone with information to support your argument or to communicate something, you’ve got to be very sensitive to the fact that people have a limited capacity for that. And what does that mean? How much can they process in a given amount of time? Is it memorable? Will they remember what you shared with them? Are you telling them the things that they will take away as the important things? 

 ”

“ Once trust is lost, it’s very hard to gain it back, really hard. So keep that in mind as you go through your career. You know, trust is something that once you’ve earned it, treasure it, take care of it.”

Links:

Did You Know; Shift Happens – Globalization; Information Age

Global Warming from 1880 to 2022

Information is Beautiful: https://informationisbeautiful.net

Our World in Data: https://ourworldindata.com

Previous episodes with Jonathan Reichental: Episodes 77, 251, and 275

Connect: 

Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn or via www.reichental.com

Connect with me via email: hello@mysmart.community

Connect with The Smart Community Podcast via LinkedIn

Podcast Production by Perk Digital

This podcast is recorded on  Yugarabul country and edited on Gaibal country.   I pay my respects to traditional owners of country and their elders past and present. I also extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.  Here on the Smart Community Podcast, we talk about data, technology, communities and the future. First Nations peoples have been sharing knowledge, caring for country, and telling stories for tens of thousands of years.  I honour that deep connection of storytelling and community connection as we continue our conversation together here today.

Disclaimer

The views, opinions, and perspectives expressed by guests on The Smart Community Podcast are solely those of the individual speakers. They do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the host, Zoe Eather, or of The Smart Community Podcast as a whole.

Any discussion of ideas, products, organisations, or services by podcast guests does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the host or the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate.