How can you use data storytelling in your industry?

Data tells great stories....but not on its own. You need to find a framework like a logic model or a formal research plan. Then you need to interpret the data in a sequential manner according to those models. Leaders appreciate when data is used to tell a cohesive story.

Uncover Trends and Patterns: Data can reveal hidden trends and patterns that traditional methods might miss. Use data storytelling to paint a clear picture of these insights and their implications. Communicate Complex Issues: Many industries deal with complex topics. Data visualization and storytelling can break down this complexity and make it easier for stakeholders to understand. Drive Decision-Making: Data-driven insights are crucial for effective decision-making. Use data stories to present compelling arguments and persuade stakeholders to take a specific course of action. Boost Customer Engagement: Data can help you understand your customers better. pen_spark

The art of writing news story is storytelling. story telling comes with dressing the story with a compelling character , spicing it up with data , and facts on the subject matter one is writing about. Data Story telling brings out facts , evidence which allows readers to learn about a character you are writing about in a feature article. For Instance , writing about the Kush epidemic affecting Sierra Leone ; a good writer can make such an article compelling and interesting with data of the number of affected youths in the country. A data on those on treatment as a result of their Kush intake , among others this can be data from a hospital , a pscho-social support institition, the World Health Organisation , data from the civil society.

Sometimes you are given the gift of data that screams that it needs to be shared far and wide. But data alone doesn't tell stories, it needs to be crafted, the medium needs to be selected and you've got to nail the angle that matters to your audience. Strong examples in the local Israel tech space are Placer.ai and Cyabra.

When numbers meet storytelling it’s a perfect match! Data may seem too much to digest for the audience. But when the data is explained through storytelling, it becomes easier for everyone to understand the real meaning behind those complicated numbers.

The most important factor for data storytelling is to make the data understandable. Data storytelling converts complex data sets and analytics into engaging narratives that are simpler to grasp. Integrating data into a narrative format broadens its accessibility, reaching beyond individuals accessibility with data analysis or statistics. In my experience, when we present data we get more hold on the convincing factors and the data shows facts and figures on the challenges and the outcome.

Data can be daunting, but stories resonate with people. Data stories provide context to trends and patterns. Whether you're in finance, healthcare, marketing, or any other field, framing data within a narrative helps others understand the 'why' behind the number. Instead of just displaying charts and graphs, weave a narrative that guides your audience through the insights, making your message memorable and actionable.

In your industry, using data storytelling is like making a cool story out of boring numbers. Treat your data like the script of a blockbuster movie, pick the most interesting stats to tell your tale. Visuals, like charts and graphs, add the fun effects to your story. Why bother? Because data storytelling makes the complicated stuff easy to understand and memorable. It's not just about throwing numbers at people; it's about turning your data into a story that sticks, making your industry insights not only smart but also exciting. It's like transforming data into a story that everyone wants to watch.

All storytelling is important. If we focus on data storytelling, then we can open up a powerful combination of using data to help tell the wider story that needs to be told. It is important to remember that the data is to help the story, not the other way around.

Data is as good as fact. However fact isn’t truth. While facts change, truth is constant. Data is a superb mode of storytelling this usually is translated by the individual with the responsibility to tell the story. For the media, simplicity counts and less complex data. And when it changes we must reflect the changes. I think the 21st century journalist should be armed with this important area of the media to breakdown complex information easily for their audiences

In Recruitment data storytelling plays an important role while projecting talent analytics. I use to collect data from multiple data sources like LinkedIn insights, Talent pool report, Job portal insights, etc to analyse the talent availability, talent landscape, talent pool based on skills and roles. This helps to demonstrate to the business on setting the right expectations for the hiring process.

It can be utilised in all communication moments. Storytelling is for every communication and by looking at it through that lens, it really opens up the opportunity for you to make greater impacts. Reflect on all the communication moments you have with your stakeholders and then decide where a data orientated approach will add value to the impact you wish to make.

Consider a marketing team using data storytelling to present the success of a recent advertising campaign. By incorporating data on increased website traffic, higher engagement rates, and ultimately boosted sales, the team can effectively showcase the campaign's impact and demonstrate the ROI to stakeholders. This data-driven narrative not only informs about the campaign's success but also bolsters confidence in future marketing strategies, emphasizing the versatility and effectiveness of data storytelling across various industries.

In instructional design, data storytelling can be both a process and a product. Think of gamified learning journeys - where interactions, activities and progress are reported back to learners in a dashboard or through badges. It can also show learners how the rest of the community is doing - in some cases, increasing motivation through social proof. At the same time, e-learning specialists use data storytelling almost the same way as marketers do. Tracking things alive learning engagement, completion rates, retention and ROIs. We can use out to demonstrate the product value and gain insights into what works and what does not in the learning design.

Incorporating data storytelling has not only strengthened our brand but also deepened our connection with our viewers. It's a powerful tool in the ever-evolving media landscape, allowing us to stay relevant and impactful in the broadcast media industry.

Whether you're talking to your classmates, your boss, or your community, these best practices can help you create compelling data stories: 1. Know Your Audience: Understanding who you're talking to is key. 2. Focus on the Main Point: Every data story should have a central message. 3. Use Clear Visuals: Choose visuals, like charts and graphs, that make your data easy to understand. 4. Tell a Story: Start with an introduction, present the data, and then wrap it up with a conclusion 5. Context Matters: Context helps people connect the dots and understand the significance 6. Include Human Stories: Numbers can be dry, but human stories add life. If your data affects people, share their stories.

*Know your audience* → What are there worries, curiosities, interests? What are they trying to solve? How technical are they? *Begin with the end in mind* → Where do you want to end up? What point do you want to make? What action do you hope they'll take? *Simplify simplify simplify* → Making it sound complicated makes YOU feel good. Making it sound simple makes THEM feel good. *Visualize effectively* → Is it a chart? A heat map? A tree? There are hundreds of visuals you can use, choose the RIGHT one. *Narrative flow* → Beginning, middle, and end. Make sure to move them through it. *Context* → The page before and after. Better context empowers your audience to understand and relay what they've learned.

Always keep the core principals - or layers as I call them in my storytelling model (the sprout model) - this will guide your story. Be sure to know the impact you want to make, the people that you are telling the story to, set starting context and direction, move into the main event and what in particular it is you are addressing, then bring clarity, conclusion and a lasting impression to the end point ... not forgetting to nurture the story with creativity, energy and perspective.

Start with a clear message: Identify the key insight you want to convey and structure your story around it. Know your audience: Tailor your narrative and visuals to the knowledge level and interests of your audience. Use visuals wisely: Choose charts, graphs, and other visual aids that complement the narrative and make the data easier to digest. Be concise and clear: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much data or technical jargon. Focus on simplicity and clarity. Incorporate storytelling elements: Use a structured narrative, including a beginning, middle, and end, to guide your audience through the data insights.

Tailoring data stories is crucial. For instance, if presenting healthcare data to medical professionals, emphasizing statistical significance and research methodologies is key. On the other hand, when presenting the same data to the general public, focusing on the real-world impact of medical advancements would resonate better, highlighting the importance of adapting data storytelling to suit different audiences and contexts.

Let's consider a marketing professional aiming to enhance their data storytelling skills. They begin by reading a book like "Data Points: Visualization That Means Something" by Nathan Yau, gaining insights into effective data visualization. Next, they enroll in an online course on data storytelling, perhaps on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, where they learn about structuring narratives around data effectively. Putting their learning into action, they utilize tools like Power BI to create an engaging dashboard showcasing campaign performance metrics. Lastly, they present the dashboard to their team and seek feedback, refining their visualization and storytelling.

Diving into the world of data storytelling is like embarking on a thrilling quest! Let your curiosity be your guide, like a compass pointing north. Explore the vast realm of data - embrace tutorials, courses, and books. Next, practice, practice, practice! You can finesse your data storytelling by creating mini-adventures. Take small data sets and craft intriguing narratives around them. Don't shy away from feedback. Seek the wisdom of fellow storytellers, gather their insights, and refine your craft. Lastly, let inspiration infuse your journey. Explore other data tales to spark that creative fire within you. Remember, every great storyteller was once a novice, so have faith in your abilities and set forth on this exhilarating quest!

Data-Storytelling for Business results in a “Visual pitch”. No one has time to run or remember the spreadsheet All people remember will be a analysis of the data, personalised, characterised as a visual story. I call it in my workshops; ABDC ( ANYBODY CAN DESIGN -their visual Pitch) If you are thinking of showcasing in PPT it will be in form of infographics - Text / Info/ Time / concept Infographics There are 6-10 big ideas that a lay person can can easily do using ppt and principles of visual communication. But whether you are a CEO sitting on a international flight or a tech lead showing monthly progress report; it all starts with HOW YOU IDEATE . The story happens in your head first & then is shared For 20yrs doing it Love it

Just remember that all communication is an opportunity for storytelling. The moment you view it through that lens you can really open yourself up to enhancing the impacts you can have every day through your life. Storytelling is not just for that big moment.... it is for the every moment. Stories. Change. Lives.

Numbers and spreadsheets can be quite complicated to understand. But when each data in analytics finds a place in actual storytelling, it can be easily understood by not only the audience but also different members of the team. Within teams when superiors explain the data by breaking it down in an easy to understand way via storytelling, each member of the company can contribute in a better way.

You'll be required to tell a compelling story behind the data you're providing. Collate your data and convert it into theory. And not just theory, but a story. If you're talking about number of tigers left in India, start with the story of an individual tiger who was killed due to certain reason. It will generate curiosity among the readers and keep them engaged throughout the story.

I highly recommend Startup Founders take a data-storytelling approach with their content. Data storytelling is a visual elevator pitch and if used well it can help you reach the RIGHT AUDIENCE & secure funding. If you are a Founder here is a structure you can use when filming your Visual Pitch. 1. Opening Statement: Set the tone, introduce the central issue, & grab attention. 2. The Catalyst: what inspired you to take action? 3. Problem: Challenges faced by your market, using statistics & data. 4. Who are you? 5. Solution: Present the Solutions & the impact data. 6. Testimonial: Faces of the people you are helping 9. Implementation and Impact: The practical steps taken to implement these solutions 10. Closing Statement: Vision & CTA