The Presentation Boss Podcast

There are loads of graph types available. But which to use? Which actually help you explain an insight clearly to an audience?In this episode, Kate and Thomas look at the graph types that are particularly good for explaining data, along with some of the common alternatives we frequently see that aren't always best suited to the job. It’s first step of the StoryChart process: Choose Your Chart. Rather than relying on rules like "bar charts are good" or "pie charts are bad", we start with a more useful question: what job does this chart need to do? That often means choosing something much simpler than you might expect.And this really is one of our favourite topics to talk about. And for those watching, we have visual props from our corporate workshops!What You'll Learn:• What makes a good chart – rules, criteria and purpose.• The difference between graphs used to explore data and those used to explain an insight.• The three tests for a good explain chart.• The big debate – are pie charts good or bad?• Why many charts can make an audience work too hard and make them tune out.• Why a technically accurate chart can still be a poor communication tool• Why clarity should win over complexity and cleverness• Exactly which charts to aim for when creating your data story!Download the Summary Sheet:We've put together a summary of the graph types discussed in this episode, including which ones to use when explaining your data, and when and why to use them.Resources:• Influential Analyst Academy: https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/iaa/• Email us: [email protected]• The Presentation Boss Podcast: https://www.presentationboss.com.au/podcast• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

In this expert guest episode, we're joined by Rob McDonald, better known as Safety Rob! We talk about what happens when safety decisions become disconnected from the people actually doing the work. Rob has spent decades in workplace health and safety, including experiencing serious incidents himself, and argues that effective safety communication starts by getting away from the desk, asking better questions and listening to the people closest to the risk.We explore why lagging indicators and traditional KPIs can give decision-makers an incomplete picture, why toolbox talks aren't necessarily communication, and what needs to happen for important information to make its way from the frontline to the boardroom. Because the role isn’t done until somebody does something with what you told them.What You'll Learn:Why reporting what has already gone wrong isn't enough to prevent what happens nextWhy managing from your desktop gives you an incomplete picture of the businessWhat genuine two-way communication looks likeWhy a toolbox talk can easily become one-way communicationWhy important safety information can get lost on its way to decision-makersHow photos, videos and frontline stories can make risks real for senior leadersWhy asking people about problems without acting on what they tell you can undermine the whole processWorth Repeating:“If you're just reporting KPIs and traffic lights on that and how many injuries we've had, you're not getting decisions to the decision-makers.” “I need a report process that says, ‘I'm dealing with this every day. I've talked to my team and through consultation, they've told me this, and we have these risks identified.’” “Take a photo of your highest risks. Actually get people just to video or say, or go and talk to people and ask them, ‘What is it you need? What is it you do that we shouldn't be doing? What is it that can be improved?’” “The problem with a lagging indicator is we're measuring ourselves against something that has already happened.”About Rob McDonald:Rob McDonald is the Owner and Managing Director of GSD Safety, with more than 25 years' experience as a workplace health and safety consultant. Through GSD Safety, Rob works with organisations to improve their safety management systems, protect their people and better understand the risks happening inside their businesses.Resources:GSD Safety: https://gsdsafety.com.au/SafeAlign: https://safealign.com.au/Influential Analyst Academy: https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/iaa/Email us: [email protected] Presentation Boss Podcast: https://www.presentationboss.com.au/podcastKate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytellingThomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

In this breakdown, Kate and Thomas watch Ben Wellington's TEDx talk from 2014. It's a brilliant example of data storytelling in action, with Ben consistently giving his audience a reason to care before revealing the detail behind the data.The talk explores what happens when you give a curious data person access to thousands of datasets about New York City. But also looks at the challenge of data accessibility. A gripping series of stories where creating access to data and curiosity about meaning leads to outcomes for the city.We break down his clever structure, simple visualisations and knack for answering the "so what?" before his audience has to ask.What You'll Learn:• Why you don't always need to start with the background and context• How Ben creates interest before revealing the detail behind his data• The value of rounding numbers when precision doesn't matter• How to pull simple, memorable takeaways from complex data• Why answering "so what?" makes data immediately more engaging• How to raise the stakes as a presentation progresses• Why even excellent visualisations sometimes need more time on screen• The impact speaking pace and pauses have on an audience's ability to process informationOur Rating:8/10 from both Kate and Thomas.Watch It Yourself:https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_wellington_how_we_found_the_worst_place_to_park_in_new_york_city_using_big_dataResources:• Influential Analyst Academy: https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/iaa/• Email us: [email protected]• The Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcast• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

You've analysed the data. You've built the charts. You've put them in front of your audience. So why aren't they getting it?In this episode, we explore the Data Journey, a simple way of understanding what needs to happen between raw information and an audience. We unpack the important distinction between exploring data to understand it yourself, and explaining it so somebody else can understand it. And why confusing those two legs causes so many problems.Also, diagnose the three broken data journeys we see regularly: the Data Decorator, the Data Dumper and the Data Cameo. From dashboards packed with charts but no insight, analysis that seems obvious only because you've stared at it for days, to starting with the conclusion and hunting for evidence afterwards, we look at why each happens and the questions you can ask to avoid them.What You'll Learn:The difference between exploring data and explaining itWhere data storytelling actually fits in the journey from information to audienceWhy visualising data isn't the same as communicating an insightHow to recognise when you've become a Data DecoratorWhy the curse of knowledge turns good analysts into Data DumpersHow expecting your audience to interpret your charts can make them feel like they're "not a numbers person"The dangerous difference between testing a hypothesis and proving a conclusionHow to recognise when you're using data to confirm the story you already wanted to tellPractical questions to diagnose where your own data journey might be brokenResources and Links:Effective Data Storytelling by Brent DykesInfluential Analyst Academy: https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/iaa/Email us: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])The Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcastKate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytellingThomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

It’s an easy trap to fall into. When you know your topic, and trying to explain that to someone who doesn’t. How do you do it without making them feel silly, overwhelmed or condescended to?This week we're joined by Nicky Jurd; digital strategist, business owner, self-described friendly and approachable geek, and quite possibly one of the nicest humans we know.We talk about patience, jargon, audience interaction and building trust. Nicky shares practical ways to recognise when you've lost someone, why you should never take over someone's mouse, and the seemingly harmless words that can accidentally make your audience feel stupid. We also wander into AI slop, $68 coffee, Simon Lancaster and, nudie swimming under waterfalls.What You'll Learn:How to explain complex ideas simply without becoming condescendingWhy patience is a learned communication skill, even for expertsHow to recognise when your audience doesn't understand, even if they're nodding alongThe power of starting with foundations and building knowledgeHow asking the wrong kind of audience question can make people feel stupidHow even simple jargon can sneak into our language and cause damageHow trust comes from more than simply demonstrating expertise The important AI literacy skill that will make the biggest difference into the futureWorth Repeating:"My mum taught me how to use a spoon.""I try to be clear rather than condescending.""We're giving a service that is complicated and technical, and if people knew it, they would never get to meet us.""Just usually means the speaker's forgotten what it was like to not know.""Confusion shouldn't be a character flaw. Confusion is an opportunity for me to empower someone and help them feel capable."Resources and Links:Nicky Jurd: nickyjurd.comPrecedence: precedence.com.auWinning Minds: Secrets from the Language of Leadership by Simon LancasterEmail us: [email protected] Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcastThe Influential Analyst Academy: https://www.skool.com/influential-analyst-academy-5985/aboutKate on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/data-storytellingThomas on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

Get your favourite flag ready as we break down one of Thomas' all-time favourite TED Talks. We're watching "Roman Mars: Why city flags may be the worst-designed thing you've never noticed". And yes, it's a talk about flags. But it's also a masterclass in taking a topic your audience doesn't think they care about and making it fascinating. Kate was cautious to begin with, but by the end, gave it a perfect 10/10 rating!Roman Mars combines storytelling, humour, visuals, audio clips, and careful choreography to showcase mastery in multimedia presentations. Thomas has loved this talk for a decade and Kate had somehow managed to avoid watching it until this week. We analyse exactly what works, spot minor slip-ups, and even discuss what happened in the years since this talk.What You'll Learn:How to make an audience care about a topic they weren't expecting to care aboutWhy teaching your audience a simple framework can change how they see everything that followsHow humour can emerge naturally from setting up and then breaking expectationsHow to successfully manage audio, visuals and multiple voices in a live presentationWhy explaining an unusual presentation format upfront helps an audience settle into itThe six key principles of flag design (trust us, you do actually care about these!)What to do when something goes wrong in a highly choreographed presentationWhy a strong message can inspire action long after the presentation is overOur Ratings:Thomas: 9.9/10Kate: 10/10Watch It Yourself:Roman Mars: Why city flags may be the worst-designed thing you've never noticedhttps://www.ted.com/talks/roman_mars_why_city_flags_may_be_the_worst_designed_thing_you_ve_never_noticedResources and Links:99% Invisible: https://99percentinvisible.org/Good Flag, Bad Flag: https://nava.org/good-flag-bad-flagEmail us: [email protected] Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcastKate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytellingThomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

Too many presentations begin by opening PowerPoint, or thinking about the most interesting pieces of information. And that’s exactly the wrong place to start if you want to be influential. It's possible to have great data, solid analysis and polished slides, then finish your presentation with "thanks, that was interesting" and watch absolutely nothing happen.In this episode, Kate and Thomas unpack the Data Storytelling Success Model (The Triangle) that works for all workplace communications and technical presentations. It’s the framework we use with organisations across industries, functions and all over the world to turn informed experts into influential communicators. It's the framework we use to diagnose why workplace presentations fail to influence and where technical communicators should focus to improve them.We explain the six essential elements that sit behind every effective presentation. If you've ever wondered why some presentations lead to action while others are quickly forgotten, this episode will share with you the essential pieces of preparation you need.What You'll Learn:The common mistake of building presentations for ourselves instead of our audienceHow to identify the one audience member who matters most.The "Sticky Note Message" technique for creating clear communication.Why insight and narrative matter more than simply sharing information.The three questions every presentation should answer.How better visuals reduce confusion and increase decision-making.How "death by dashboard" has joined “death by PowerPoint”.Why delivery is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to influential presentations.How to identify the weakest link in your own workplace communication.Resources and Links:See the Triangle: Email us: [email protected] Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcastKate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytellingThomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

Can great communication be worth millions to a business? Today's guest thinks so, and explains why the future belongs to technical experts who can influence, not just inform. It's our first expert interview of the season; we're joined by Andrew Jepson, finance business partnering specialist, Chartered Accountant, and author of "Compliance to Commercial".We explore why technical expertise alone isn't enough, how communication creates influence, and why AI will make human communication skills even more valuable.Whether you work in finance, analytics, engineering, or any technical profession, this episode is packed with practical ideas for becoming someone whose advice actually shapes decisions.What You'll Learn:• Why technical expertise alone won't make you influential• The habit that separates report producers from trusted advisors• How to simplify complex information without losing accuracy• Why asking better questions is often more powerful than having better answers• The "tree trunk and branches" framework for avoiding unnecessary detail• How AI is changing technical roles, and why communication will become even more valuableAbout Our Guest:Andrew Jepson is a Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years of commercial experience across finance and operational leadership roles. After seeing technically brilliant finance teams struggle to influence business decisions, he founded FBP Team in 2016 to help finance professionals develop the communication, influencing, and business partnering skills that create real commercial impact.Memorable Moments:• "Get away from your desk and go talk to people." • "Once the robots arrive, the only thing left will be business partnering." • "You don't need to know the answers. You just need to know the questions." • "Once you can't see the trunk anymore, cut it back." • "The AI will do the cave work."Resources and Links:• Andrew Jepson: https://financebusinesspartnering.com• Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjepson• "Compliance to Commercial: The Quiet Approach to Finance Business Partnering"• "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey"• "What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith"Presentation Boss Resources:• Email us: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])• The Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcast• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

In this episode we're doing a presentation breakdown - just like we used to do speech breakdowns, but now we can also SHOW you the talk as we watch, and provide our thoughts and highlight techniques as we watch real time.We're watching a classic talk that we came across over a decade ago, and as data nerds who like a laugh, we both enjoyed this display of entertaining data storytelling. It's a TED-x Talk from 2013, presented to a smaller crowd and tackles how data analysis tied into online dating.What You'll Learn:• The power of starting in the action of a story• How providing a single, simple example is more powerful• The combination of data and storytelling• When it comes to visuals, how much detail is too much, and how to dripfeed• The subtle art of breadcrumbing a motif detail through a presentation.Watch It Yourself:Amy Webb: How I Hacked Online Dating - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wG_sAdP0UResources and Links:• Email us: [email protected]• The Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcast• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au

After a five-year hiatus (that was only ever meant to be a short break), The Presentation Boss Podcast is back.You can now also watch us as a video podcast, or listen along in the classic audio-only format!In this episode, Kate and Thomas are hanging out and explain where we've been, what has changed in the world of workplace communication, and why these skills matter more than ever in the age of AI.We share how our business evolved to focus on helping technical professionals communicate ideas that influence decisions, and what you can expect from Season 2.Good news! We're going to continue our format rotation of discussion episodes, presentation breakdowns, and expert interviews. But now with several years, thousands of clients, and updated practical, actionable communication advice at the heart of every episode.Resources and Links:Email us: [email protected] Presentation Boss Podcast: presentationboss.com.au/podcastKate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytellingThomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/data-storytelling-au