Instructions

DO NOT USE CHAT GPT or AI!!

Begin to think about topics you may propose for a final group project. Use the Invisible Ink structure to tell the story of the domain. Think about the business/research problem and focus on the story.

• Don't worry about a potential framework to solve the problem. If your group chooses this topic, this assignment can eventually serve as the background for your final project.
• you will make the Invisible Ink framework explicit. In future presentations in and outside of this class, the Invisible Ink framework will likely occur below the surface; however, if we bring the structure front-and-center in this assignment, we can better understand its usefulness.
  • Said differently, this academic exercise may help inform the applied use of narrative structure in industry.
• Remember there are other narrative structures you may use (e.g. Bottom Line Up Front [BLUF]; or Tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them; etc.) The goal here is to practice the explicit use of a narrative structure. Remember, the data enables the story. The story is what people will remember.

Find an example of an argument that is made in a data-centric fashion. Identify a source you might share in the professional setting (e.g., Economist, Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, an academic article in your domain of choice, a technology blog, etc.). While you may use a Wikipedia page for inspiration, you may not cite the Wikipedia page as your source. You should begin to familiarize yourself with "Evaluating Resources" from the UCB Library and Google ScholarLinks to an external site.. These resources will be central to your final course project.

• You will be evaluated on how well you apply the Invisible Ink structure. We are agnostic about the substantive topic--so please do not spend too much time picking the "best article."
• You may search for a new article or use one that you discussed in a previous assignment, or one you saw on a Slack channel.

Do a visual slide deck that explicitly follows the story structure in the asynchronous material. You will have up to six minutes to present.

• Once upon a time . . .
• And every day . . .
• Until one day . . .
• And because of this . . . (repeat)
• Until finally . . .
• And ever since that day . . .

Recast the argument as a story without tables/charts/graphs.

• Use only a single image on each slide.
  • One strategy is to construct the narrative and then set aside x minutes at the end and then force yourself to select the images within the allotted time.
  • You may use visualizations from the original article, from other sources (cite them) and/or you may construct your own.
  • Do not get caught up in the selection of the "perfect" image. The image is simply something for the audience to look at while you talk. The focus here is on the verbal narrative.
• You may not use tables, charts, graphs, etc.
  • The goal is to demonstrate that a strong narrative structure does not need to rely on tables, charts, or graphs.
• You should have a title for each slide, but you may not have bullet points.
  • E.g. Once upon a time . . . Netflix.
  • Your title should read "Once upon a time . . . (optional text)"
• Remember, this precise and concise narrative structure does not mean you need to tell an overly simplistic story.
• Note: The narrative structure of this assignment may also help you learn about the narratives you tell yourself when you want to understand a topic.
  • In other words, what story do you tell yourself to describe what happened?

Define Your Audience

• Think carefully about your target audience before you begin. Speak to a prospective professional or consumer audience; do not speak to the instructor or the class.
  • You must explicitly articulate the audience in your project (e.g., "My intended audience for this presentation is X"). Examples of intended audiences: Amazon Web Services, health care insurance companies, a union, a city council, individual consumers of music, digital content providers, etc. Presentations (and writing) are more effective if you speak to someone. If you explicitly articulate the audience, you will narrow down the scope of your project and will make sure you keep focused.
  • For this assignment it may be difficult to think about an audience beyond this class. Perhaps this could be a lunchtime talk at company X. Or perhaps this is a talk at a particular data conference on panel Y. Pick a specific audience outside of this course.

Unit 11: Tell a Compelling Story (2024)

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat/ Presentation

3.33 to >3.0 pts Excellent Students successfully apply presentation structure and slide formatting best practices (see General Assignment Guidance module). Students clearly define the audience. Presentation is within the time limit.

3 to >2.66 pts Proficient Students apply presentation structure and slide formatting best practices. Students define the audience. Presentation is within the time limit.

2.66 to >2.33 pts Satisfactory Students partially apply presentation structure and slide formatting best practices. Students are encouraged to improve how they define the audience. Presentation is slightly over the time limit.

2.33 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Section not attempted or insufficient effort was displayed in the attempt to apply presentation structure and slide formatting best practices. Students do not define the audience. Presentation is over the time limit.

3.33 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument/ Logic/ Strategy

3.33 to >3.0 pts Excellent Students provide an appropriate amount of background information. They clearly explain the issue in order to articulate a well-developed argument based on the source material.

3 to >2.66 pts Proficient Students provide too much/too little background information. They provide a sufficient explanation of the issue in order to articulate a clear argument based on the source material.

2.66 to >2.33 pts Satisfactory Students provide too much/too little background information. The explanation of the issue could be further developed in order to improve the argument based on the source material.

2.33 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Section not attempted or insufficient effort was displayed in the attempt to provide background information. The explanation of the issue is lacking. There is no argument, or the argument based on the source material is unclear.

3.33 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting/ Narrative/ Storytelling

3.34 to >3.0 pts Excellent High quality of delivery suggests the student adequately planned and prepared. Students effectively communicate a concise and precise narrative. The presentation includes a clear transition to a recognizable conclusion.

3 to >2.66 pts Proficient Quality of delivery suggests the student planned and prepared. Students effectively communicate a clear narrative. The presentation includes a somewhat recognizable conclusion; the transition to the conclusion may be abrupt.

2.66 to >2.33 pts Satisfactory Quality of delivery suggests the student planned and prepared. The narrative could be more concise and precise. The conclusion may be unclear.

2.33 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Quality of delivery suggests the student did not plan or prepare. The narrative is not concise and precise. The presentation does not include a recognizable conclusion.

3.34 pts

Total Points: 10