Communicating Complexity: Telling Stories with Data
Communicate complex and data-heavy information in a way that is clear and actionable.
Communicating complex information concisely, credibly, and convincingly – it’s a skill you need to lead organizational change in a time when decision makers face information surplus, skepticism, and the pressure to navigate uncertainty while responding to crisis. Having the ability to quickly distill technical information for non-expert audiences enhances the value that you can add to your organization. Knowing how to facilitate comprehension of complex or data-heavy content without oversimplifying is a key indicator of your ability to win buy-in and achieve results.
During this interactive workshop, you’ll learn evidence-based, practical strategies for communicating complex technical information clearly and compellingly, without sacrificing substance. You’ll leave with tools that you can use immediately including: awareness of your audience’s perceptions, methods for conveying key ideas, tips for enhancing visuals, and strategies for keeping stakeholders engaged and motivated. Throughout the course, you’ll hone your skills in a risk-free environment, where you can comfortably practice and gain feedback.
"My goal is to guide professionals at all stages of their career as they encounter the obstacles, complexities, and rewards of communicating in globally and technologically disparate climates. Witnessing my students use their...skills to become effective change agents and inspiring leaders is what drives me towards educational innovation." — Beth Walter, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor
Key Takeaways
- Raise your awareness of common barriers to communicating technical information and use enhanced self-awareness to adapt your communication strategy with ease.
- Integrate calculated methods to extract the core ideas of technical messages and craft them into compelling narratives.
- Harness the power of language – story, analogy, metaphor – to bridge the gap between what you know and what your audience needs to understand.
- Strengthen your ability to design visuals that support audience comprehension and facilitate decision-making.
- Leverage the entire range of your communication skill set to meet nonexpert decision makers where they are and relate technical information with clarity, credibility, and passion.
Who should attend?
This program is designed for leaders interested in driving organizational vision and strategy by effectively communicating complex, technical information in the corporate, public sector, entrepreneurial, academic, or nonprofit environments.
* Special pricing is available for individual and group registrations. More information is available here.
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Additionally, we welcome the opportunity to accommodate requests for support for guests, visitors, and alumni with disabilities. To discuss your individual or group accommodation requests, please contact Carnegie Mellon's Office of Disability Resources at least two weeks in advance of your program start date.
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