7 Steps to Master the Art of Data Storytelling

Hey there 👋

Hope it wasn’t too bad for you all heading back to work this week after Thanksgiving weekend.

Before we jump in, I’d like to announce the newest member of the Mike family…

…our new kitten Chai!

Chai literally showed up in our front yard and was immediately drawn to my wife. We asked our immediate neighbors and it didn’t belong to any of them. We posted to the neighborhood Facebook group and Nextdoor and there were no takers. Took her to a vet and she had no microchip.

So, she’s ours now 😊 

Now, let’s get down to business.

Numbers…

Numbers and statistics are more than just figures; they are the characters in a story waiting to be told.

The art of storytelling with data transforms dry facts into compelling narratives. This makes your presentations not just informative but also engaging.

Here’s how you can master this art in a few simple steps.

1 | Know Your Audience

Before you dive into data, understand who your audience is. Are they executives needing a high-level overview? Or are they technical experts looking for in-depth analysis? Tailoring your story to your audience’s interests and level of understanding is the first step in effective storytelling.

2 | Set the Scene with Your Data

Every story needs a setting. In data storytelling, this means establishing the context. Begin by presenting the background information. What is the data about? Why is it important? This sets the stage for your audience to understand the relevance of the data you’re about to present.

3 | Tell the ‘Why’ Behind the Data

Data doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s essential to explain why the data matters. Connect the dots for your audience by interpreting the data and explaining its implications. This is where your insights come into play, turning raw data into a story that has meaning and relevance.

4 | Highlight the Key Points

In a sea of numbers, it’s essential to highlight the main points you want your audience to remember. Use visual aids like charts or graphs to draw attention to these key elements. Remember, simplicity is key – too much information can overwhelm your audience and dilute your message.

5 | Create a Narrative Flow

Like any good story, your data presentation should have a beginning, middle, and end. Start with the introduction (setting the scene), move into the body (presenting the main data and analysis), and conclude with a summary or call to action. This structure helps keep your audience engaged and makes the information more digestible.

6 | Use Visuals Wisely

Visuals are a powerful tool in data storytelling. They can turn complex data into understandable and memorable information. Use charts, graphs, and infographics to support your narrative, but avoid clutter and ensure each visual serves a purpose. Color coding and highlighting can also be used to draw attention to key data points.

7 | End with a Strong Conclusion

Conclude your story with a powerful ending. Whether it’s a call to action, a thought-provoking question, or a summary of your key findings, make sure your conclusion leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Storytelling with data is about making your data accessible and engaging.

My hope is that with the steps above, you can transform your data presentations from mundane to memorable. I want your audience to not only understands your data, but also to remember it.

A well-told data story is the bridge between information and understanding.

This week’s YouTube video:

In this week’s vid, I got over how to pass the Tableau Desktop Specialist exam.

That’s it for this week.

See you next time

Matt ✌️ 

Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1 | The Data Portfolio Guidebook

If you’re looking to create a data portfolio but aren’t sure where to start, I’d recommend this ebook: Learn how to think like an analyst, develop a portfolio and LinkedIn profile, and tackle the job hunt.

Join 500+ learners here

2 | 1:1 Coaching Call

For help navigating the data job hunt, consider booking a 1:1 career guidance session with me. There are a few options available to help you get to your ideal data job faster.

Schedule a 1:1 here

3 | Coaching Program

Interested in ongoing coaching? Fill out the form below for more information and to see if we’re a good fit.

Apply here