Story Rules Logo

email LinkedIn Twitter Youtube
  • WHY
    • You need the power of storytelling on your side
  • WHO
    • I can help you unlock the power of storytelling
  • WHAT
    • Through comprehensive learning offerings
  • HOW
    • A holistic and customised approach that Clients love
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • E-books
    • Videos
    • Newsletters
  • PODCAST
  • SOTD

#SOTD 37: Myth-busting using the right data and norms

5 April 2022

It's fascinating how often narratives which have no basis in facts, capture the public imagination.

​

One such narrative is that of the 'Great Resignation- the spate of resignations seen by companies across industries, especially in the US.


Various reasons are being put forth for this exodus away from jobs: People hate their jobs, working from home made them realise the futility of commuting, people are looking for meaning in what they do etc.​

​

But hang on, says Derek Thompson in a recent article for The Atlantic. Let's look at some data first.

​

(hat-tip - J Ramanand for highlighting the piece)

​

I love how he uses contrast to get the audience's attention (emphasis mine):


Then he proceeds to bust these myths with data.​

​

For instance:

The first one is the easiest to debunk. No one wants to work anymore? Well, the unemployment rate is under 4 percent. More than 80 percent of prime-age workers are employed or looking for work. The labor-force-participation rate for workers ages 25 to 54 is now higher than it was for most of the Obama administration. These facts don’t describe a country where “no one” wants to work. They describe a country where almost everybody wants to work, and where many nonworkers—including many mothers and caregivers—“desperately” want to get back to work but can’t.

​

Here's how he concludes his piece:


Some of the simple storytelling techniques Derek Thompson uses are:

  • Look for the right and credible data
  • Compare numbers with the right norm
  • Use contrast in writing

​

#SOTD 37

Ravi

PS: Here is the context for #SOTD and the 'Ultimate Guide to Storytelling Techniques' framework I use - in case you joined this series late!

#SOTD 60: Share your own stories (and be vulnerable)
5 April 2022
WHY

You need the power of storytelling on your side

WHO

I can help you unlock the power of storytelling

WHAT

Through comprehensive learning offerings

HOW

And a holistic and customised approach that Clients love

RESOURCES

E-Books

Videos

Newsletters

CONTACT