The document is a slide deck prepared by Matt Turck for non-technical audiences to introduce the concept of big data, outlining its characteristics such as volume, variety, and velocity. It discusses the need for new technologies to process this data, highlights the emerging role of data scientists, and emphasizes the significance of data-driven decision-making in various industries. The presentation also touches on the distinction between big data and small data, advocating for a balanced approach to data utilization.