The Presentation Boss Podcast

You can be brilliant with data and still struggle to make an impact. Or you can be a confident communicator whose message isn’t supported by strong analysis. So how do you know which skill needs your attention?In this episode, Kate and Thomas introduce the Lighthouse Framework; exploring how analytical and communication skills work together. They unpack four recognisable types of data storytellers, what their audiences experience, and practical ways to develop. Which type sounds most like you?What You’ll LearnWhy technical expertise alone doesn’t guarantee influenceHow analytical and communication strengths combine to shape your audience’s experienceWhat the Fog, Treasure Chest, Siren and Lighthouse reveal about common strengths and blind spotsWhich practical next skill to developWhy mentoring others matters even when you’re already a strong data storytellerEpisode ResourcesTake the free Lighthouse Framework quiz to explore your analytical and communication strengths and identify your next development focus.https://www.blueboxdatastorytelling.com.au/2026/11/11/s2e16Standard LinksInfluential 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

What does effective data storytelling look like in a world where AI can analyse data, create charts and even build presentations for us?In this episode, we’re joined by Brent Dykes, author of Effective Data Storytelling; one of our favourite books on the subject and a major influence on how we teach data communication.We explore how data storytelling has evolved since Brent wrote his book in 2020, the challenges analysts still face when trying to influence decisions, and what role humans must play as AI becomes increasingly capable.Along the way, we get into a fascinating discussion about dashboards, whether executives really need everything summarised, and a few things Brent has changed his mind about over the years.What You'll Learn:Why data storytelling is still difficult, despite all the tools and guidance availableWhen an executive summary might not be the best way to communicate, even with executivesHow AI is changing the skills analysts need to remain valuableHow knowing what good data storytelling looks like is essential, especially when we’re using AI moreWhat goes missing when organisations focus too heavily on dashboards and reportingThe four different purposes dashboards serve, and where the story sitsWorth Repeating:“I don't think that we should outsource things that we enjoy and things that we are good at.”“If you don't know what good looks like, that's a real limitation on what you can achieve with AI.”“We need to shift more into the last mile of getting and driving value.”“Just tell me how much time I have, let me control how many slides I need to have.”About Brent Dykes:Brent Dykes is an internationally recognised data storytelling expert and author of Effective Data Storytelling: How to Drive Change with Data, Narrative, and Visuals.With nearly two decades of experience in analytics, including work with Adobe, Microsoft, Nike and Sony, Brent is the founder and Chief Data Storyteller at AnalyticsHero. His work focuses on helping organisations communicate insights that influence decisions and drive change.Resources:Brent Dykes and Effective Data Storytelling: https://www.effectivedatastorytelling.com/Brent Dykes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdykes/Seeing What Others Don't by Gary KleinInfluential 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

Tim Minchin is a brilliant comedian, musician and writer. Solet’s take a look at how he handles a commencement speech.In this episode, Kate and Thomas break down Minchin's 2013commencement address at the University of Western Australia, where he sharesnine life lessons wrapped in clever humour, rapid-fire metaphors, and genuinethoughtfulness.There's plenty to admire about this speech, particularly thewriting. But as we watch, we find something not quite right, which leads to thediscussion about which matters more in a presentation: writing or delivery?We explore the many brilliant things Minchin does andsuggest what we'd change if we had a time machine! What You'll Learn:How opening with a humorous story can disarm anaudienceWhy clever writing doesn't always translate intoeffective deliveryHow speaking pace can undermine an otherwisebrilliant messageWhy pauses signify comfort, and help youraudienceHow changing your tone can create contrast andemphasise a pointWhy a memorable conclusion doesn't necessarilyneed a grand finaleOur Rating:6/10 from Kate. 6/10 from Thomas.We both loved the writing, but wanted more from the delivery.Watch It Yourself:Tim Minchin: 9 Life Lessons, University of WesternAustralia (2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoEezZD71scResources:Tim Minchin's original speech and transcript: https://www.timminchin.com/2013/09/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

Ever presented a chart that made perfect sense to you, only to discover later on that your audience didn't understand it?When you've spent hours analysing data, it's easy to forget that your audience hasn't. What looks obvious to you might require a surprising amount of effort for someone seeing it for the first time. And they probably won't tell you that they don’t understand!In this episode, Kate and Thomas continue exploring the StoryChart process, looking at the three steps that turn a good chart into one that's fast, easy and unmistakable (get ready to hear those three words a lot).Because a good chart is one that does the job it is intended to do and when we’re explaining data, we need to make meaning very clear.What You'll Learn:What does it look like when your audience isn't understanding your charts.How to simplify your charts without losing important context.How to move your chart from describing, to explaining a specific insight.How we can leverage selective attention to direct attentionHow to draw attention to make insights unmistakableAim for clarity rather than complexity or clevernessAlso, listen out for us mentioning 3D exploded pie charts, a gorilla suit, and Where’s Wally!Resources:StoryChart summary sheet and decluttering checklist: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/survey/6p7FBLGfwTxgSydAPwh5Selective attention test (the Gorilla video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2MvoInfluential 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

She’s back! Seven years after joining us in season one, voice and speech coach Katrina Roberts returns to challenge some of the conventional quick-wins-based wisdom about becoming a better speaker and presenter.What if trying harder to look confident, remembering to gesture, and concentrating on your speaking technique is actually making you a worse communicator?Katrina shares how being a better speaker starts with comfort before confidence. In this conversation, we explore why nerves show up in ways you might not recognise, why your body has such a powerful influence on your voice, and why learning to be present with your audience matters more than following a checklist of speaking rules.We also get into a fascinating discussion about data storytelling, including why executives sometimes demand all the data, and whether we might have accidentally trained them to do exactly that!What You'll Learn:Why trying too hard to be a good speaker can actually make you less effectiveWhy Katrina teaches freedom and comfort before speaking techniquesHow your body, breathing and voice are connectedA simple exercise involving your feet that can change how you feel and speakWhy being present with your audience is more important than thinking about your own performanceWhy audiences deserve to have information made easy for themHow analysts can accidentally train executives to demand more dataWorth Repeating:"The last thing people want when they're battling communication problems is more rules.""Stop trying to be interesting.""Audiences are inherently selfish, and they deserve to be.""Communication is an act of service."About Katrina Roberts:Katrina Roberts is a highly experienced voice and speech coach with over 15 years specialising in professional communicators, including actors, executives and professional speakers.Through Simply Speech, Katrina helps people overcome speaking anxiety, develop their voice and communicate with greater comfort, confidence and presence. She also lectures in voice at JMC Academy in Brisbane and delivers her Speak to Serve program to organisations across Australia.Resources:Simply Speech: https://simplyspeech.com.au/Patsy Rodenburg's Presence.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

We've waited at least seven years to do this presentation breakdown! Hans Rosling is one of the pioneers of data storytelling, and his 2012 TEDx Summit talk "Religion and Babies" is one of our all-time favourites.On paper, this presentation probably shouldn't work. It tackles religion, fertility, population growth, and income. He uses a complex bubble plot with multiple (it must be at least 5) variables, hundreds of data points and even animation. Yet somehow, it's remarkably easy to follow.In this breakdown, Kate and Thomas look at exactly how he pulls it off. From his bold opening and carefully constructed question, to the way he introduces complex data one piece at a time, narrates his visualisations and even turns cardboard boxes into one of our favourite data visualisations ever.And we unpack three key things Rosling does exceptionally well: drip-feeding, using physical data visualisation, and posing a question at the beginning that keeps us invested all the way to the answer.There's a reason we still hold the late Hans Rosling up as one of the greats of data storytelling.What You'll Learn:How to open confidently when tackling a potentially sensitive topicHow to drip-feed complex data without overwhelming your audienceWhy even a complex chart can work when it's explained exceptionally wellWhy you should explain what your data is before explaining what it meansHow posing a question can keep an audience invested in the answerWhy physical data visualisation is so memorableThe value of stripping away unnecessary precision and using rounded numbersHow to finish with a clear recommendation for what your audience should do nextOur Rating:11/10 from Kate. 10/10 from Thomas. Apparently our rating scale no longer has rules.Watch It Yourself:Hans Rosling - Religions and babies: https://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_religions_and_babiesResources: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

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