How To Make Numbers Sticky: Chip Heath on Making Data Count

When we look at the world through numbers, our brains can’t always compute the full picture, says Chip Heath, co-author of Making Numbers Count. On this episode, this New York Times bestselling author (Made to Stick, Switch) shares how the right numbers told the right way can be absolutely illuminating.

The trick is translating those raw numbers and stats into a language that is more transparent and meaningful, and, ultimately, easier for our brains to understand. Why is this important? Data drives decisions in our lives, as well as for society, whether that’s tackling climate change, making capital investments, or urging for change. When employed correctly, those numbers can bring about powerful “a-ha” moments.

GUEST: Bestselling author Chip Heath, Making Numbers Count
As an academic, strategist, and author, Chip Heath has spent his career helping people make their ideas and messages stick. He’s the bestselling author, along with his brother, Dan, of several books, including, Made to Stick and Switch. Their books have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 33 languages. His latest book, with co-author Karla Starr, Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers, provides practical tools and tips to help anyone “speaking” numbers to create more compelling messages and better engage with their audiences. Heath is a professor emeritus in the organizational behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he has taught since 2000. He also has helped hundreds of clients develop ideas and messages that stick. He lives with his family in Los Gatos, California. 

LINKS:
Making Numbers Count
Heath Brothers publications

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