What are the best practices for using data and evidence in strategic storytelling?

Data can tell a story. Your data can demonstrate how inputs impact outputs, which then impact outcomes. They key is determining the combination of data most relevant to your audience.

- Una vez que se conoce la audiencia, cambiar la forma de presentación a dicha audiencia. - Evitar usar tecnicismos, ser claros, sencillos y prácticos en la presentación. - Mantener un diálogo con la audiencia. - Buscar la sinergia. - Usar ejemplos aplicables a la audiencia.

1 We need to understand our audience thoroughly, their demographics, preference, knowledge, level and interest, value, belief and priorities so that we can customize our story telling 2 Find out key insights, trends finding from data analysis that are relevant and impactful to audience with focus on information that address their needs, challenges and opportunities 3 Build narrative using data, evidence storytelling element that engage audience ensuring it connect with real world issue, challenges and opportunities 4 Using data visualization, graphs, infographic to enhance story telling experience 5 We have to ensure integrity, accuracy and credibility of data, evidence, transparency and ensure two way dialogue with audience for engagement

Adicionaría los siguientes puntos; 1. Conocimiento de la Audiencia. Esto incluye entender intereses, nivel de conocimiento sobre el tema y qué tipo de información que buscan o necesitan. 2. Claridad. Los datos deben ser presentados de manera clara y directa, utilizando gráficos o imágenes para ilustrar los puntos clave. 3. Ejemplificación. Utilizar ejemplos específicos que se relacionen directamente con los intereses o proyectos actuales de la audiencia. 4. Adaptación de los Ejemplos a Proyectos Actuales. Estén alineados con los proyectos o preocupaciones actuales de la audiencia. 5. Uso de un Lenguaje Accesible. Evitar el uso de tecnicismos o términos demasiado complejos que puedan confundir a la audiencia.

include integrating compelling data points that reinforce the narrative, ensuring the information is credible and sourced transparently. It's crucial to present data in a way that is accessible and engaging to the audience, using visuals like charts or infographics to illustrate key points and trends. Additionally, stories should be crafted to show the human impact of the data, making abstract numbers relatable and meaningful to the audience, thereby strengthening the overall message and its persuasive power.

Carefully curate data that aligns with your strategic objectives and supports your storyline. Ensure accuracy, relevance, and reliability in the data chosen to strengthen the credibility of your narrative.

In my experience, data can be a double-edged sword. It's thrilling to find those perfect numbers that back up your point, but sometimes the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. Be choosy. The data has to truly measure what it says it does, or it's just smoke and mirrors.

Data is not always helpful. Having a lot of data can sometimes prove to be worse than having too little data. The purpose of data is to provide a strong proof to our hypothesis. If you are in the audience, what would you rather prefer to see: 1) 2-3 metrics or data points that are mutually exclusive which clearly prove the hypothesis 2) 7-8 metrics that prove the hypothesis but along the same dimension. E.g., Proving that revenue has grown and costs have gone down automatically mean the profits will increase. Hence, profit becomes a redundant data point adding no value. I am sure that most of us would like option 1 for the mere fact that is it simple to absorb while clearly driving home the important message.

Strategic storytelling is the art of purposeful narrative for organizational goals. It needs aim. Achieving goals demands people. People are moved by stories. Data lends the story weight and credibility. That's the sequence. This is why step #2, at #2, is a mistake. The story needs to come before the data. Craft your narrative after defining your goals and knowing your audience, and only after this do you select your data. Else, you get a story that may even be good, but not strategic.

Choosing the right data doesn't mean cherry-picking only those that support our agenda. Instead, it involves selecting data that provide correct information and are relevant to our goals. Additionally, the source and validity of the data are important. Qualitative data, based on opinions, require validation to ensure their accuracy. For quantitative data, it is crucial to ensure the data is accurate and clean.

Visualizing data is a key practice in strategic storytelling as it transforms complex information into digestible visuals, enhancing comprehension and engagement. It allows stakeholders to grasp trends, patterns, and insights at a glance, facilitating informed decision-making and compelling narrative creation.

To sharpen your craft, study the masters of visual-data narratives. Assess how they distill complex information into simple, powerful images. Break down great examples: What makes them work? Is it the simplicity, the color contrast, the way data points tell a story? Try recreating them with your data, refining until the story shines through clearly, without a word wasted. One recommendation: follow Tomas Pueyo on Twitter and Substack. His stories, married to striking data visuals, are lessons in themselves. Observe his technique, the clarity and impact of his visuals. In this craft, doing teaches. Analyze, then act.

As we celebrate the democratization and accessibility of drag-and-drop data visualization tools like PowerBI, Tableau, and Google Data Studio, it's crucial to adopt a 'less is more' mindset in data visualization. Simple, clear charts often have the greatest impact, allowing users to grasp the information in just a couple of seconds. If your audience needs more time to understand your chart, there's a risk they might overlook it altogether. Prioritizing simplicity and clarity ensures your data communicates effectively and efficiently.

Transform raw data into compelling visuals such as charts, graphs, and infographics. Visualization enhances comprehension and retention, making complex information more accessible to diverse audiences.

Data can indeed become overwhelming and boring if presented in a raw or complex format. Raw data lacks context and can be difficult to interpret, leading to confusion and disinterest among audiences. Similarly, complex data presentations, such as dense tables or intricate charts, can intimidate or overwhelm viewers, detracting from the message's clarity. To engage and effectively communicate insights, data should be presented in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner. Summarizing key findings, using intuitive visualizations, and providing context help make data more accessible and compelling, fostering better understanding and decision-making.

Start with the end in mind. Before you start your story, decide what the 1-2 things you want people to remember will be. Often, people will try to tell a story that encompasses all of their data - rather than the most useful or meaningful pieces. To select what the most useful/meaningful data is, consider: 1. What decisions are you trying to influence / does your audience need to make? 2. What are the most powerful/compelling data points that will influence these decisions? 3. What will your audience find 'useful'; and what will they find 'interesting'? Focus on the useful data and minimize that which is merely 'interesting' (or include in the appendix)

Transform data into a coherent and compelling story that contextualizes the numbers within the broader organizational strategy. A narrative framework creates emotional connections and enhances memorability.

Data Storytelling is important for the following reasons: Impactful Communication: Data storytelling puts insights into context and inspires action. It bridges the gap between raw data and meaningful understanding. Psychological Power: Humans have used storytelling for survival and recording daily life since ancient times. A well-told story engages emotions and captures attention. So, know your audience, present your findings, and conclude with a specific call to action.

Using metaphors or analogies to explain complex concepts. Weaving human stories into the data can add an emotional connection for the audience, making the information more relatable and memorable. This approach can truly elevate your strategic storytelling from informative to impactful.

Uphold ethical standards by ensuring data accuracy, transparency, and privacy. Respect confidentiality and comply with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines when handling sensitive information.

Maintaining authenticity and ethical standards is indispensable for building trust and sustainability in business endeavors. Adhering to principles of transparency, integrity, and respect in handling data safeguards not only the credibility of your storytelling but also the integrity of your business practices.

Let's ditch the spin and manipulation tactics. I seen so many companies used it but let's say most people can smell BS immediately. On the other hand, when we use data ethically, we can craft compelling stories that respect people and paint an accurate picture. It's about giving credit where it's due, acknowledging the whole story, and using evidence to empower, not mislead. That's how we build trust and create real impact.

Ethical use of data in strategic storytelling involves several key principles. This requires obtaining data through transparent and lawful means, respecting individuals' privacy rights. Data should be accurately interpreted and presented, avoiding misleading or manipulative narratives. Consent and anonymity should be prioritized when using personal data. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of storytelling on individuals and communities, ensuring it promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility. By upholding these ethical standards, strategic storytellers can build trust, credibility, and positive relationships with their audiences while responsibly leveraging data to convey meaningful narratives.

The use of data in strategic storytelling not only enriches narratives but also bears the weight of ethical responsibility. Upholding standards of accuracy, transparency, and privacy is paramount to maintain trust and integrity. The importance of respecting confidentiality and complying with regulatory and ethical frameworks when weaving sensitive information into stories is paramount. Such practices are not mere formalities but the backbone of credible and ethical storytelling. They ensure that our narratives are not only compelling but also conscientiously crafted, reflecting the due diligence owed to the data and those behind it.

Solicit feedback and conduct iterative testing to refine your narrative. Incorporate insights from stakeholders to enhance clarity, relevance, and impact, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and audience expectations.

Before presenting your narrative, gather feedback from a representative sample of your audience and refine your story accordingly. Iterative testing ensures clarity, persuasiveness, and resonance.

Use best practices of iterative prototyping to test and refine: • Emply Storyboarding: visualize changes, ensure flow and coherence • Use your team as "Focus groups": in-depth insights pretending to be the target audience • Refine it openly: share early versions, observe reactions, improve • Use A/B testing: present two versions, measure which resonates more • Iterate quickly: refinement has to be a rapid cycle of testing, feedback, improvement

Continuous improvement is key. Leveraging my operational strategy expertise from Harvard and iterative project experience, I test and refine stories. Gathering feedback from diverse audiences, assessing their understanding and engagement, and making necessary adjustments is essential. This iterative process ensures the strategic narrative remains relevant, clear, and compelling, ultimately enhancing its impact and effectiveness.

Continuous improvement is key. Leveraging my operational strategy expertise from Harvard and iterative project experience, I test and refine stories. Gathering feedback from diverse audiences, assessing their understanding and engagement, and making necessary adjustments is essential. This iterative process ensures the strategic narrative remains relevant, clear, and compelling, ultimately enhancing its impact and effectiveness.

- Ensure data accessibility for all stakeholders, including those with varying levels of data literacy. - Clearly articulate data sources, methodologies, and any limitations to foster transparency and trust. - Maintain consistency and coherence throughout the narrative to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. - Incorporate mechanisms for updating data and insights to reflect evolving circumstances and maintain relevance over time.

Beyond the core practices, it's essential to prioritize data accessibility, considering diverse audience needs. Be mindful of cognitive and cultural biases in data interpretation and presentation. Engage subject matter experts to ensure comprehensive data analysis and interpretation. Lastly, maintain a forward-looking approach, staying abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance storytelling effectiveness.

It is important to: -ensure your ppt/visual representation tells a story without you needing to present it -customize your message for different stakeholders -incorporate real-world examples to illustrate points -ensure your data narrative aligns with your overall business strategy

Creo que es una buena idea combinar datos cuantitativos y cualitativos: Además de los datos cuantitativos, considera también el uso de evidencia cualitativa, como testimonios o estudios de caso, para enriquecer tu narrativa estratégica y proporcionar una comprensión más completa de la situación.

Strategic storytelling with data is an art and a science. Like cooking, it requires creativity, precision, and a dash of intuition. As you craft your stories, remember that data is a powerful tool, but it's the human touch that makes them truly impactful. So, put on your chef's hat, gather your ingredients, and cook up a story that will leave your audience craving more!