A book teaching you how to make really big or really small number have actual meaning. ( )

I have a hate-hate relationship with math in general (with the admitted occasional flirtation with statistics) so why would I pick up a book about numbers? Well I have a professional interest in how we communicate complex ideas, and this book definitely delivered on that even for a “not a numbers person” like me.

I was made to feel better by the assertion that the human brain isn’t programmed to deal with large complex numbers, and the author’s stance that math is a second language that needs translation. The book offers a guide through several different techniques for doing that, several of which I know I will put into practice going forward. It’s a fun, engaging, educational read that also provides practical advice.

Unfortunately it also suffers from a trope I come across in US business communications on an all too regular basis - an over-reliance on sports-metaphors in general and American stick & ball sports in detail. ( )

Excellent collection of ideas and techniques for presenting numbers to others who may/not be number savvy. The authors provide lots of examples that are very helpful as well. Highly recommended! ( )