Effective data storytelling

Published Articles

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If you’re interested in more content on data storytelling and other related topics, this section will feature some of Brent’s past Forbes articles. As his ideas and thoughts on data storytelling evolve, he looks forward to sharing more tips and examples of effective data stories.

The Four Key Pillars To Fostering A Data-Driven Culture

The Four Key Pillars To Fostering A Data-Driven Culture

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March 28, 2019

Despite the increased emphasis on becoming data-driven, a recent study by NewVantage Partners shows companies are still struggling to create a data-driven culture. This article looks at four key pillars that are essential to your efforts at creating a data-driven culture within your organization

The Real Reason Most Dashboards Don't Tell Data Stories

The Real Reason Most Dashboards Don't Tell Data Stories

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

October 30, 2018

Many people assume dashboards tell stories when in fact most don't. Instead, most dashboards frame key information so users can find insights (exploratory) rather than telling a specific story (explanatory). This article explores the concept of storyframing and how it complements storytelling.

Adventures In Data Storytelling: Three Key Traps To Avoid

Adventures In Data Storytelling: Three Key Traps To Avoid

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April 25, 2017

Data stories are powerful vehicles for sharing insights to influence change. However, not all data stories are effective and may exhibit flaws that limit their effectiveness. This article explains how data stories are formed and highlights three common data storytelling traps to avoid.

Why Companies Must Close The Data Literacy Divide

Why Companies Must Close The Data Literacy Divide

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March 9, 2017

Aspiring data-driven companies are discovering simply making data more pervasive and accessible isn’t enough. A low level of data literacy can actually inhibit the full impact of your analytics investments. This article looks at the four keys to establishing a minimum viable level of data literacy.

Data Storytelling: Separating Fiction From Facts

Data Storytelling: Separating Fiction From Facts

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June 13, 2016

The field of data storytelling is still relatively new and uncharted, but it has become a hot topic in both analytics and business circles. As various people step forward to provide opinions on how to tell data stories, misinformation is creeping in which, if left unaddressed, could lead aspiring data storytellers astray

Actionable Insights: The Missing Link Between Data And Business Value

Actionable Insights: The Missing Link Between Data And Business Value

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April 26, 2016

Forrester reports 74% of firms say they want to be “data-driven,” but only 29% are actually successful at connecting analytics to action. Actionable insights are the missing link for companies that want to drive business outcomes from their data. This article defines six key attributes that make insights truly actionable.

Get the Book

Effective Data Storytelling

Master the art and science of data storytelling—with frameworks and techniques to help you craft compelling stories with data.

Effectively communicating with data is a necessity in organizations of all types and sizes. It’s often the crucial last mile in the analysis process that determines whether an insight will inspire action. Transforming data into visual communication is only one part of the picture—it’s just as important to engage your audience with a memorable and persuasive story. Narratives are more powerful than raw statistics, more enduring then pretty charts. Effective Data Storytelling teaches you how to communicate insights that influence decisions, inspire action, and drive change.

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