Post on 21-Apr-2017
Presenting Data and InformationEdward Tufte Key Take Aways
Seth J. Gillespie, Ph.D.
Value Proposition❖ Presenting data and information can be exciting, engaging,
stimulating and thought provoking❖ Data and information can be smartly summarized resulting in
powerful memory and understanding
“Powerful and information-dense graphics (shown) seems to have been lost in recent years in particular, the dumbing down of complex information into unending slide-decks.” — Edward Tufte
Keys for Success❖ Data is diplomatic and avoids person bias
❖ Numbers and words are great descriptors; no need for extra graphics or tables
❖ Flat, adjacent space engages the audience
❖ Avoid “time stacking” or “slide building”
❖ If tables or graphics must be used the smaller and simpler the better
Keys for Success❖ Limit introduction and conclusion to text
❖ Avoid un-needed graphics
❖ Think complex, “speak” simple
More Effective Meetings❖ Distribute “pre-read” attachments at, or prior to
meeting
❖ Allow for reading time; we can talk at around 100 WPM, but we can read at around 500 WPM
❖ Meeting leaders should take critical notes, cultivate respect and acknowledge limitations
❖ If a meeting doesn’t have an agenda, it’s automatically less important
More Effective Meetings❖ Consider 11x17 handouts which can contain 4 times
more information than a normal printout
❖ Summarize information, start first with the most important agenda items
❖ Effective materials are “flat” and avoid time and space stacking, i.e. there should be no build up
❖ Consider: what’s the problem, what’s the agreed solution, and why do people care?
Powerful Encounters❖ Come prepared and open-minded
❖ Have a list, and include historic information if needed
❖ Don’t be premature diagnose
❖ Summarize agreements made
❖ Avoid using “mental” lists and recollections
Data Density❖ Look at the typical road map or news paper; these convey both
an abundance of information and pleasing white spaces
❖ Links to more detailed or referenced information are encouraged
❖ If possible show cause and effect
❖ “Annotate” diagrams, lines and even paragraphs of text
❖ One page status reports are opportunities to display complex information to team members
❖ Use lines to “link” information; but avoid stark shadessimple and elegant
Image Repetition and Variation❖ Convey complex concepts through image
repetition and variation within a single graphic
Tips❖ Avoid dramatic art that has no purpose or “data” value
❖ Avoid dark lines and harsh contrasting colors
❖ When in doubt keep information clean
❖ If boxes are needed, use gray
❖ Don't forget white space
Project Management Charts
Emphasis on Work Streams and Information Summarization
goo.gl/YN2XZB
Density
Thank you for reading my notesand key take-aways!
AboutDr. Gillespie is a popular educator, speaker, lecturer and subject matter expert in the field of IT Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Organizational Management, and large-scale Information Technology infrastructure projects, programs and portfolios, possessing over 20 years of real-world experience. In addition to speaking engagements, he has participated as a noted exam writer for numerous CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) and PMI (Project Management Institute) certifications.
Gillespie earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organization and Management, specializing in Information Technology Management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Technology Management, a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and a Minor in Economics. In addition he holds PMP® (Project Management Professional), PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner), CSM® (Certified ScrumMaster), ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and CISSP® (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) credentials.
In his free time, Gillespie enjoys traveling and assisting in social justice causes benefiting under-served groups worldwide.
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Books by Dr. Gillespie
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