How to tell stories with data
September 2024
Data is powerful, but it doesn’t speak for itself. The real value lies in how you interpret and present it.
As business leaders, we know that numbers can inform, but it’s the story behind those numbers that truly inspires action. Your team already has the technical know-how to handle data. Now it’s time to elevate their skills by blending analysis with the art of storytelling, which can boost conversion rates by up to 30%.
This blog explores the synergy between soft skills and technical expertise, showing how a well-crafted narrative can transform raw data into insights that resonate, engage, and drive strategic decisions.
The art of balance: merging soft skills with technical expertise
Data without context is just noise. To cut through it, your team needs more than just the ability to crunch numbers – they need to connect the dots and tell a compelling story. This is where the fusion of soft skills and technical prowess becomes invaluable. Imagine your data analysts as storytellers, translating complex datasets into clear, actionable narratives that speak to the heart of your business challenges.
But this balance is not always easy to achieve. Technical skills give your team the ability to collect, analyse and visualise data, but soft skills (like critical thinking, creativity, and communication) are what enable them to turn those insights into a story that resonates.
Think of it as the difference between reading a set of statistics and understanding what those statistics mean for your company’s future. By fostering an environment where both skill sets are equally valued and developed, you empower your team to bridge the gap between data and decision-making.
It’s also important to recognise that storytelling with data isn’t just about simplifying complex information. It’s about crafting a narrative that is both accurate and compelling. This requires an understanding of your audience, their needs, and their level of data literacy. A story that resonates with the executive team might look very different from one intended for frontline employees.
By honing their soft skills, your team can tailor their storytelling approach to ensure that the message lands with maximum impact, no matter who the audience is.
How to turn data into stories
Understanding data is one thing. Using it effectively is another. To tell stories that stick, your team needs to go beyond the numbers and uncover the narratives they hold.
Start by asking the right questions:
- What is the data really saying?
- What trends or patterns emerge?
- What do these insights mean for your business, your customers, or your industry?
A crucial first step is data exploration. Encourage your team to spend time delving into the data, looking for patterns, anomalies, and correlations that might not be immediately obvious. This process often requires curiosity and an open mind – qualities that are just as essential as technical know-how. As they dig deeper, they should constantly ask themselves:
- What story is emerging?
- How does this data connect to the broader business context?
- What decisions can it help us make?
Once your team understands the story, it’s time to shape it. This means translating technical jargon into plain language, choosing the right visuals to highlight key points, and focusing on the ‘why’ behind the data. Here, soft skills are crucial. The ability to distil complex information into a clear and concise narrative requires a deep understanding of both the data and the audience. It’s not just about presenting facts but making them meaningful. A well-told data story should guide the audience through the information, highlighting the most important insights and explaining why they matter.
Visualisation plays a pivotal role in this process. Well-designed charts, graphs, and infographics can make complex data more accessible and engaging. However, effective visualisation is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about clarity and purpose. The visual elements should complement the narrative, helping to emphasise key points and making the data easier to understand. Encourage your team to think critically about their visual choices. Are they highlighting the most important information? Are the visuals aligned with the overall message?
Remember – the goal of data storytelling isn’t just to inform, it’s to inspire action. Whether it’s convincing stakeholders to invest in a new initiative, motivating a team to adopt a new process, or helping customers see the value of a product, a great data story should lead to a clear and compelling call to action.
By mastering the art of data storytelling, your team can turn raw numbers into a powerful tool for driving change and achieving your business goals.
Let UpSkill Universe help you tell better stories with data
With our Leading with Data and AI course, your leaders can unlock the full potential of data and AI analytics by transforming them into compelling stories that drive strategic growth. This training empowers your team to go beyond the numbers, weaving insights into narratives that inspire action and create a culture rooted in data-driven decision-making.
Equipping your leaders with the skills to tell impactful stories with data means that you’re not just enhancing their technical capabilities – you’re fostering a mindset that leverages data as a powerful tool for innovation and success.
