In this month's edition, you will find:
🧠1 Tip for Data & Analytics: 7 powerful hooks you can use in your presentations.
🎙️2 MindSpeaking Podcast episodes about Emotional Intelligence for Data professionals and how to ace Data Science interviews.
🤔1 Quote about a surprising lesson I learned from my newborn.
But before we dive in... two opportunities for you:
Exclusive Event for Data Leaders: Drive Impact with Storytelling (October 16th)
Meet me and learn proven strategies from our work with multinationals globally.
✍Sign up here (max. 20 seats)
Public Training: Data Storytelling & Stakeholder Communication (Q1 2025)
We only host public workshops once a year — sign up now to turn your insights into compelling stories, free of technical jargon.
✍Sign up here (get a 30% early bird discount. Use the code MINDSPEAKING30 - only 6 spots available)
🧠 1 tip for Data & Analytics
No matter how "interesting" your insights...
You need to earn the attention of your audience.
Here are 7 presentation hooks to grab the attention from the start:
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Promised Outcome
"In the next 20 minutes, you'll discover 6 ways to captivate your audience."
Personal Story
"When I was 6, I made a mistake that taught me a lesson I use every day. Here’s what happened..."
Scenario
"Imagine you're presenting to stakeholders, and they start questioning your key data point. What do you do?"
Shocking Fact
"In the next 10 minutes, 4 Americans will die because of the food they eat." (Jamie Oliver's TED Talk)
Case Study
"In 12 months, a small startup doubled its market share using predictive analytics, beating industry giants. Here’s how they did it."
Challenge
"I challenge you to spot the hidden trend in this dataset. Let’s see if you can find it."
Story
"Last year, we did a project that saved our company $1 million. Here’s how..."
The first 10 seconds of your presentation matter.
You either grab the attention of your audience… or you lose them right away.
All 7 hooks release dopamine in the body of your audience.
Here’s why that's important:
Dopamine...
... increases Curiosity: ↳ Sparks interest and anticipation.
... increases Engagement: ↳ Keeps your audience focused.
... improves Retention: ↳ Helps your audience remember key points.
... enhances Motivation: ↳ Encourages your audience to take action.
Think about it:
Using these hooks means you're not just presenting data points—you're creating a memorable experience.
Which hook will you use in your next presentation?
🎙️ 2 MindSpeaking Podcast episodes
Episode 15: Tom Zierold -The Data Analyst's Guide to Emotional Intelligence
Tom Zierold, founder of Equip Coaching & Training, turns emotional intelligence from an abstract concept into practical skills. Learn how to see emotions as data, improve collaboration, and influence others effectively. Discover actionable insights to enhance self-awareness and connect better with those around you. Don’t miss out on this valuable episode!
Episode 16: Nick Singh - Getting and Acing Your Data Science Interview
Nick Singh, author of the bestselling book Ace the Data Science Interview, shares top tips for acing data science interviews. Learn how to simplify complex concepts for non-technical audiences, and hear Nick’s cold emailing strategies to land interviews. Packed with actionable advice and funny stories—this episode is a must for anyone in tech.
🤔 1 Quote to reflect on
"Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is relax."
– Mark Black
Last month, my wife gave birth to our daughter, which challenged me in unexpected ways (it wasn’t just the lack of sleep).
After our daughter arrived, I asked my assistant to clear my schedule. Two weeks off. And it was a beautiful time. It's crazy how much love you can feel for a tiny human. The experience was grounding—a reminder of what matters most in life (hint: it isn’t work ).
But here’s the thing…
I struggled to fully relax. I felt the urge to stay busy: doing groceries, bringing food to my wife, and arranging practical things. Even thinking, “Maybe I can finally finish that online course I bought eight months ago.”
We did make some progress on a children’s book we’re writing. But mostly, I embraced doing… nothing. Just sitting on the couch, with my daughter sleeping on my chest. And it felt incredible.
What did I learn?
I’ve been writing online about the value of “non-doing” for years. But these two weeks showed me how hard it can be. As an entrepreneur, I've trained myself to take action. So now, even when I rest, I sometimes feel the urge to be productive. It's not something I'm proud of. I’m a work in progress.
Questions for you to reflect on:
Are you striving to stay productive, even when you’re “resting”?
What can you learn from that?
Let me know if you enjoy these personal reflections. Reply with "Yes" if you'd like to see more.
Stay curious,
Gilbert
Ps. Here are the two opportunities to advance your Data career:
Event for Data Leaders (Oct 16): Avoid the #1 mistake that most Data Leaders make (and improve your team's business impact). Sign up here and reserve your seat (max. 20 seats).
Public training program (Q1 2025): Master data storytelling and stakeholder communication. Get 30% early bird discount with the code MINDSPEAKING30 — only 6 spots available. Sign up now.
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