Data Storytelling is for everyone.
We teach non-tech people how to weave compelling, action-inspiring stories using data and visualizations that other non-tech people can make sense of.
From organizations to individuals, data storytelling has become an essential tool for communicating complex information in an informative and engaging way. Data alone is not enough to communicate insights and influence decisions. We need to transform data into stories that can capture audience attention, explain complex information, and inform, persuade and inspire action.
We know that not everyone is comfortable with data or even works with it on a regular basis. Yet everyone can be a storyteller. In fact, you’ve been telling stories your whole life. We can teach you how to connect what you already know how to do (tell stories) with the strategic use of data and visualizations to help you and your organization communicate complex information with ease.
Data Storytelling: How to tell a compelling data-driven story
Spotify Wrapped is a perfect example of data storytelling done right.
Why is Data Storytelling important?
According to Gartner, data storytelling will be the most widespread means of consuming analytics by 2025.
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Stories are more memorable and relatable than raw numbers or charts. They help the audience connect emotionally and cognitively. Studies have shown that data driven stories can boost audience engagement by 300%.
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Helps communicate sophisticated data in a way that non-technical audiences can understand. In fact, stories are remembered up to 22 more times than facts alone.
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Effective storytelling ties data insights to organizational goals, persuading stakeholders to take action. 87% of professionals agree that clearer data presentation leads to more data-driven decisions by leadership.
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Artificial intelligence is changing the business landscape. AI can augment data storytelling but is not a replacement for human creativity.
We believe that using AI tools allows data storytellers to focus on strategy and interpretation while automating many of the time-consuming aspects of data analysis. There simply is no substitute to show the heart behind the numbers without the human component of data storytelling.
“Researchers discovered that people retain only 5-10% of material that consists solely of statistics.
Add an image, and it jumps to 25%.
However, they remember between 65-70% when it’s a story.”
Turn raw data into stories to connect with your audience.
Stories are powerful because they engage both sides of the brain. To create a good data story, you need to consider FIVE (5) essential elements:
Narrative, Data, Visuals, Audience and Context.
These elements work together to support your message and guide your audience through your story.
Narrative: This is the verbal or written part of your story, where you explain the insights gleaned from data, the context surrounding it, and the actions you recommend and aim to inspire in your audience.
Data: This is the raw material that you use to create your story and the foundation of any data story. This involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting accurate and relevant data to uncover meaningful insights.
Visuals: These are the charts, graphs, maps, or other visual tools that you use to present your data in a clear and appealing way. Your visuals should complement your narrative and highlight the key points or trends that you want to emphasize.
Audience: Who is your audience? What is their level of knowledge about the topic? You also want to know their interests and what motivates them so that you can tailor your narrative to meet them where it’s needed.
Context: The background information and relevant details that surround a data set, providing a deeper understanding of the data by explaining the "why" behind the numbers.
“Maybe stories are just data with a soul.”
Who can benefit from Data Storytelling?
1. Business and Corporate Professionals
Executives and Managers: Use data storytelling to present strategic insights and performance metrics to stakeholders or teams.
Marketing and Sales Teams: Communicate customer trends, campaign success, or market forecasts to drive client engagement or refine strategies.
Data Analysts: Simplify complex datasets to inform business decisions and share findings with non-technical stakeholders.
2. Journalists and Media Professionals
Use data storytelling to craft compelling news articles or documentaries based on topics like societal trends, climate change, public health, or economic patterns.
Examples include visualizing election results or showcasing income inequality through interactive graphics.
3. Educators and Researchers
Academics: Translate research findings into understandable narratives for students, peers, and funding agencies.
Educators: Use data-driven stories to make abstract or complex concepts relatable and engaging.
4. Government and Nonprofit Organizations
Policy Makers: Convey key insights to stakeholders or the public, such as unemployment rates, climate impact, or healthcare statistics.
Nonprofits: Highlight social challenges and demonstrate the impact of their initiatives to donors and the community.
5. Healthcare Professionals
Public Health Organizations: Share critical information about diseases, vaccination rates, or pandemic trends with the public.
Healthcare Analysts: Highlight trends in patient care, resource allocation, or treatment outcomes for better decision-making.
6. Environmental Advocates
Share data-driven narratives about climate change, conservation efforts, or energy usage to raise awareness and promote sustainability.
7. Financial and Investment Experts
Financial Analysts: Use visualizations and narratives to explain market trends, risks, and opportunities to clients or investors.
8. ANYONE and EVERYONE who uses data.
What story are you ready to tell?
It is time to transform your data. Fill out the form to learn more about how to bring Data Storytelling to your business, agency or organization. We will respond to your inquiry promptly.
Attend a FREE, no-obligation webinar to learn more about Data Storytelling where you can ask questions, learn about real-world examples and interact with others who are also interested in the opportunity to harness the power of compelling narratives to drive decisions. Request a webinar and we will schedule an upcoming date/time that works best for you.
Ready to get started? Check out our upcoming Data Storytelling workshops. We have half-day and full-day workshops currently available.
Learn more about Data Storytelling:
What is data storytelling? - Tech Target
What is data storytelling? All you need to know - Sigma Computing
Sustainability by numbers - this is a highly recommended website showing many examples of great data storytelling - notice the easy to understand graphs
PowerBi Data Stories Gallery for some inspiration