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Jennifer L. Aaker goes on to explain that data stimulates an intellectual response in an individual’s left hemisphere of the brain — which is responsible for processing linear reasoning and logic. Whereas
a good story stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain, responsible for emotions and holistic reasoning.
Data storytelling when done well delivers on the “sweet” spot and stimulates both the le and right brain of the audience, as it’s providing both intellectual and emotional stimulation for your audience.
Why is good Data Storytelling so di cult?
The reason why data storytelling is so powerful also gives clues as to why it’s so difficult to achieve. It’s because as individuals we tend to be either right or left brain dominant. And the longer we have been in a left or right brain dominant work environment, the more difficult it becomes to step back and reassess the situation from the alternative hemisphere of our brains.
Several observational insights can be shared; analysts who are typically left brain dominant are generally the ones being tasked with telling stories with data. If you’re following the flow up to this point, you’ll see the conundrum we’ve created. And if you’re an experienced manager of data teams
“Storytelling is the most powerful way
to put ideas into the world.”
Robert McKee, American writer, producer and university professor
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THE EDIT ISSUE 05 | Q1 2017