storytelling with data podcast storytelling with data podcast: #93 revisiting the magic of story
Nov 16, 2025
Celebrate a decade of storytelling magic as Cole reflects on her best-selling book's 10th Anniversary Edition. Discover timeless storytelling techniques that enhance data communication, including Aristotle's three-act structure. Cole emphasizes the importance of captivating storytelling, leveraging repetition, and focusing on audience engagement. With practical tips like writing headlines first and using narrative flow, listeners can turn dry data into compelling presentations. Join Cole's journey to make data resonate through the power of story!
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Red Riding Hood Example
- Cole recounts her version of Red Riding Hood to illustrate story elements like plot twists and a climax.
- The tale shows how repetition and structure embed narratives into long-term memory.
Three-Act Structure Applies To Business
- Aristotle's three-act structure maps to setup, conflict, and resolution and applies to business communications.
- Conflict and tension are essential for creating dramatic question and audience engagement.
Use Story To Persuade, Not Just Rhetoric
- Use story rather than bullets to persuade because story pairs idea with emotion and avoids intellectual-only persuasion.
- Apply McKee's questions to frame your protagonist's desire, obstacles, and actions to reveal a believable struggle.
