In his new book, Trying Not to Try: The Ancient Chinese Art and Modern Science of Spontaneity, Edward Slingerland writes:

“Science traffics in facts, not values: it can tell us what is, but not what should be.”

For those who follow my storytelling blog, you know my mantra that data is the foundation of the story, but is NOT the story. What is the story is the event that happened or is coming that the data measures. However, most powerpoint presenters default to charts, graphs, stats, and facts. Their real power to communicate change and motivate people to action is found in the untapped storytller within. Stories translate data into values the mind is desperately searching for so that it can make sense of the world around you.

The next time you have the urge to litter your powerpoint presentation with inert facts and stats, remember this infographic. Turn your data into drama by bringing meaning to it with storytelling.