Making Numbers Count

The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers

Authors: Chip Heath and Karla Starr

“We lose information when we don’t translate numbers into instinctive human experience”

Top-Level Overview

“Making Numbers Count” is a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of data communication. This book equips readers with essential tools to present statistics and data-driven insights in a way that truly resonates. It underscores a crucial lesson: it’s not just what you say, but how you say it.

Why It Stands Out

One of the standout aspects of this book is its emphasis on the balance between numerical data and emotional intelligence. The authors highlight the importance of contextualizing numbers to make them meaningful and memorable for your audience. This approach is particularly valuable for marketers and small business owners who often need to present data compellingly.

Key Insights

• Focus on One Point at a Time: Break down statistics into how they impact one person.
• Favor User-Friendly Numbers: Use “15” instead of “15.23” in presentations to avoid unnecessary complexity.
• Define Using Familiar References: Relate numbers to everyday items your audience knows. During COVID-19, different countries used relatable measures to explain how to stay 6 feet apart.
  • San Diego: 1 surfboard
  • Canada: 1 hockey stick
  • France: 2 baguettes
  • Montana: 1 fishing rod
• Paint a Picture with Numbers: Use vivid analogies to bring numbers to life. Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, illustrated the importance of efficient coding with a 984-foot length of wire, representing the distance electricity travels in a microsecond.

Make Your Numbers Count

Each chapter in “Making Numbers Count” revolves around a central theme: making numbers user-friendly and emotionally engaging. The authors provide a diverse range of examples to illustrate their points, making it easy for readers to grasp and apply these concepts.

If you’re looking to make your presentations more impactful and memorable, “Making Numbers Count” is your secret weapon. Don’t miss out—grab a copy today and transform how you communicate!

Photo Credit: Simon and Schuster