Winning Edge

#4 How to Persuade with Numbers


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  • Persuasion requires both an emotional response and supporting logic and facts
  • Too many facts can cause people to lose interest
  • Three key ways to persuade with numbers:
    • 1. Have a Translation Sentence
      • Provide context for numbers, like translating a foreign language
      • Example: Explain the state budget deficit in relatable terms
    • 2. Round and Make Concrete
      • Be memorable and directionally accurate rather than precise and forgettable
      • Example: "For every 10 unemployed people, there are 17 open jobs"
    • 3. Make it Human Scale
      • Convert large numbers into relatable, human-scale figures
      • Example: Translate a percentage increase in electricity bills to a dollar amount
  • Applying these techniques will give your data the winning edge


For more information, refer to the one-page PDF.


Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

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Winning EdgeBy Commonwealth Partners