How to share business insights effectively
intro
Welcome to Data Storytelling 101. Does your job involve looking at “what’s” presented in reports and exploring the “why” and “how” of it? What good are insights unless shared, explored, pondered upon and invariably lead to positive action? Data Storytelling is all about presenting your findings in a palatable way to your audience. If this is your first, it’d do you well to remember these basic guidelines on how to nail Data Storytelling!
Conventional report limitations
To begin with, why can’t you just show people dashboards and spreadsheets? Simply because it only carries the “what”. Sharing insights is primarily to enlighten the audience about the “why” and “how” of a business problem or challenge.
“They lack narrative – that’s where you come in.”
And before we delve into the DOs, here’s what data Storytelling is NOT.
- Data Storytelling doesn’t require you to become J.K Rowling – think of it as piecing together a puzzle in a visually appetizing manner.
- And it certainly isn’t a PowerPoint presentation full of stats and visualizations.
“Numbers have an important story to tell. They rely on you to give them a clear and convincing voice.” – Stephen Few
