In storytelling with data, the author states that tables interact with your verbal system, cognitive system, visual system, and auxiliary system.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Tables primarily interact with your verbal system, not the cognitive, visual, or auxiliary systems in the same way that charts do.
300-Word Explanation:
In Storytelling with Data, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic emphasizes how different types of data presentations interact with various parts of the brain. One of her key points is that tables interact most strongly with the verbal system of our brain. This contrasts with graphs and charts, which primarily engage the visual system.
The verbal system processes data in a more analytical, text-based manner. When someone looks at a table, they are essentially reading: scanning rows and columns, decoding words and numbers, and making logical comparisons. This approach is slower and more detail-oriented, making tables suitable when the goal is to look up specific values, compare exact numbers, or reference data.
On the other hand, visuals like graphs or charts engage the visual processing system, allowing the brain to grasp trends, patterns, and outliers quickly. These visuals are ideal for summarizing data and telling a compelling story that resonates at a glance.
The cognitive system—which encompasses both verbal and visual processing—is indeed involved in understanding all data forms, but it’s more of an overarching mechanism rather than something that a specific format like a table targets directly. The auxiliary system, meanwhile, is not a recognized term in neuroscience or in Storytelling with Data, and may be misunderstood or misapplied here.
In conclusion, while several systems in the brain play a role in processing data, tables primarily engage the verbal system because they require reading and detailed analysis. Understanding this helps communicators choose the right tool—table or graph—based on their communication goal and audience needs.