The Data Points: Purpose & Characteristics



Quick Reference: Purpose & Characteristics of Data Points

Data points should be:
  • Relevant.
  • Accurate.
  • Easily-readable.
  • Motivational.
  • Helpful.

Data points represent the brains of the HelpGram - this is where you impart the more crucial and actionable information. While the expert statement grabs the reader's attention and validates his or her concerns, the data points actually teach. They must be relevant, accurate, easily-digestible, motivational and helpful.

In the next section, you will learn how to structure and format your data points to suit particular topics. For now, familiarize yourself with the information below to understand what data points should communicate to the user.

All data points should have the following characteristics:

1. Relevance
Think about what you would want the HelpGram to say if you were the recipient, and let your curiosities guide your thinking. For example, a list of common-sense tips wouldn't be helpful to a struggling alcoholic, but a list of tried and true recovery techniques would do the trick nicely. For more information on writing relevant content, see the section on writing informative HelpGrams in this guide.

2. Accuracy
If you have doubts about something you read while researching your topic on the Internet, get a second and third opinion from other sites that discuss the same issue. Likewise, consider your sources carefully. Anyone can post their opinions as facts on the Web, so always double-check facts. To trust the accuracy of your information, follow the research guidelines supplied in this guide.

3. Easy reading
Data points cover the essential elements pertaining to the topic but save the more in-depth information for the links and the books.

4. Motivational tone
Our goal is to improve lives - that's not just a catch phrase. So, treat your data points as if you are helping a close friend conquer a problem, and aim to inspire.

5. Helpful information
Avoid stating the obvious (i.e. some people die from cancer, anxiety is unpleasant, etc.), and concentrate instead on providing information that can really make a difference in someone's life. And don't make anyone work for the help you're trying to provide - use everyday language, and use it well.

If you follow to these rules as you research and write new HelpGrams, your data points will fulfill their instructive purpose.

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