• Data can be boring, but turning it into a mystery can make it interesting and memorable
• To persuade effectively, remember: One Person and One Point
  • One Person: Imagine a single listener and their context
  • One Point: Decide the main point you want them to remember a week later
• To create mystery numbers:
  • 1. Start with intrigue about a number
  • 2. Reveal part of the answer
  • 3. Reveal a little more
  • 4. Summarize the mystery number and the one point
• Example: PA education spending interview
  • Use 8 (PA's rank) and 4 ($4,000 more per student) as mystery numbers
  • Engage listeners by having them hold up fingers
• Mystery numbers make data memorable and persuasive

For more tips, refer to the one-page PDF accompanying this episode.

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.