Data Visualization: The Power of Storytelling

Abstract

Storytelling can be the difference between your data making a true contribution or remaining unheard. Because in order to move your stakeholders to act, they need to thoroughly understand why your data matters, and often on an emotional as well as a rational level. And for that, there is no more powerful tool than storytelling.

In this chapter, we'll apply the techniques of the most powerful story form of all, movies, to data slides, and in the process, make them easy to understand and believe in.

You'll read and see techniques and examples that will help you:

• Focus your data so it's quick and clear.

• Frame it in ways that feel tangible and relatable to your stakeholders.

• Make the reason why it matters more powerful so your stakeholders will be moved to act.

• How storytelling will become even more interesting in the age of machines.

Citation

Frank, T. (2021), "Data Visualization: The Power of Storytelling", Einhorn, M., Löffler, M., de Bellis, E., Herrmann, A. and Burghartz, P. (Ed.) The Machine Age of Customer Insight, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 211-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83909-694-520211019