Effective data storytelling

Recent Blog Posts

Data Stories vs. Stories With Data: What's The Difference?

Data Stories vs. Stories With Data: What's The Difference?

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

October 2, 2024

Some use the terms 'data stories' and 'stories with data' interchangeably. Even though they can both leverage data, narrative, and visuals, they serve different purposes and use distinct approaches. To master the art of data storytelling, you must know the important differences between these two common forms of data-related stories.

Drawing Insights: What Data Storytelling Can Learn From Comic Books

Drawing Insights: What Data Storytelling Can Learn From Comic Books

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

April 17, 2024

When you compare data storytelling to any other communication medium, you'll discover an interesting parallel between comic books and data stories. Both of these storytelling formats must balance visuals and words to tell their stories. In this article, I explore five key lessons data storytellers can learn from the world of comic books.

Narrative Reporting vs. Data Storytelling: Complementary But Not The Same

Narrative Reporting vs. Data Storytelling: Complementary But Not The Same

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

November 30, 2023

Increasingly, more context and interpretation are being added to standard reports. While narrative reporting employs similar tactics and is complementary to data storytelling, it fundamentally differs in its emphasis and structure. In this article, I will explore how narrative reporting is unique from data storytelling and how they can work together in the analytics process.

Data Storytelling Arc: Demystifying Narrative Structure In Data Stories

Data Storytelling Arc: Demystifying Narrative Structure In Data Stories

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

September 6, 2023

One of the most challenging aspects of data storytelling isn't visualization but instead narrative. For many people, it can be somewhat of an enigma. One of the most crucial contributions that narrative makes to data stories is structure. This article reviews different narrative models and then introduces a powerful four-step narrative model for data storytelling.

A Data Storyteller’s Guide To Avoiding Clutter

A Data Storyteller’s Guide To Avoiding Clutter

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

May 18, 2023

In data storytelling, you want your signal (insight) to be understood and acted on by your audience. Frequently, noise in the data or design can interfere with your message. In this article, I review five categories of potential clutter and provide recommendations on how to avoid clutter in the data scenes of your data stories.

Two Important Perspectives On Why Data Storytelling Matters

Two Important Perspectives On Why Data Storytelling Matters

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

April 4, 2023

When people are asked why data storytelling matters, most of the focus is on the benefits that can be derived by the individuals communicating the insights. However, there are two key perspectives to consider when contemplating why it matters--that of the sender and that of the receiver. While individuals will gain much from developing data storytelling skills, it's ultimately the audiences who will be the greater beneficiaries. This article explores how each side benefits from data storytelling and how data stories can collectively enhance your organization's overall success.

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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