DATA STORYTELLING – DEMYSTIFIED

INTRODUCTION

Effective data storytelling is about more than just presenting numbers—it’s about creating compelling narratives that engage audiences, highlight key insights, and drive action. Data becomes meaningful when it is structured in a way that connects with the audience, providing both clarity and impact.

This one-day course, delivered via the Consortium for Health Analytics Intelligence (CHAIn), introduces participants to the principles of data storytelling, effective presentation techniques, and the relationship between data, narrative, and visualization. While similar to the "Presenting Data to Multi-Professional Groups" course, this session is tailored for a broader audience across different industries rather than being health-specific.

The session focuses primarily on in-person presentations, providing ample opportunity for group work, discussion, and hands-on application. Participants will learn how to structure data as a story, apply visualization best practices, and confidently deliver their message to an audience.

This course will cover:

✔ Understanding the importance of context when presenting data
✔ Applying the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How framework to data communication
✔ Differentiating between exploratory and explanatory analysis
✔ Introducing the 3-Minute Story and the Big Idea for effective messaging
✔ Exploring data storytelling concepts and different narrative arcs
✔ Identifying which types of data work best for storytelling
✔ Understanding visualization principles, including pre-attentive attributes
✔ Matching data types with the right visualizations for clarity
✔ Using action titles effectively to enhance audience understanding
✔ Developing confidence in public speaking and presentation delivery

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This session is delivered in an interactive and discussion-based format and includes:

✔ Ample opportunity for group work and collaborative learning
✔ Hands-on exercises in structuring and delivering data stories
✔ Flexible content that allows participants to focus on areas most relevant to their needs
✔ Practical techniques to improve visual storytelling and presentation delivery
✔ Guidance on creating clear, compelling narratives from data

Participants will have the opportunity to apply what they learn to their own data, ensuring the training is directly relevant to their work.

COURSE STRUCTURE

1. Expectations and Learning Objectives

✔ Setting personal and group goals for the session
✔ Understanding the importance of storytelling in data communication
✔ Overview of key concepts and skills to be developed

2. Know Your Audience

✔ Identifying who your audience is and what they need
✔ Tailoring data presentations to different levels of expertise
✔ Using the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How framework

3. Understanding Your Environment

✔ How context shapes data communication
✔ Presenting in formal vs. informal settings
✔ Adapting to in-person and virtual environments

4. Why Are We Here?

✔ The purpose of data storytelling
✔ Differentiating between exploratory and explanatory analysis
✔ Using data-driven storytelling to influence decisions

5. Telling the Story

✔ Structuring your data as a narrative with clear storytelling arcs
✔ The 3-Minute Story & the Big Idea – simplifying complex data
✔ Engaging audiences with actionable insights

6. Understanding Your Data

✔ Ensuring data accuracy, relevance, and reliability
✔ Common pitfalls and biases in data analysis
✔ Choosing the right data for the story you want to tell

7. Visualising Your Data

✔ Understanding pre-attentive attributes in visual perception
✔ Matching data types with the right visualizations
✔ Using action titles and annotations effectively

8. Time is Everything

✔ The impact of timing and pacing in data presentations
✔ Structuring information for maximum retention
✔ Practical exercises on improving delivery and timing

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a Consortium for Healthcare Analytics Intelligence (CHAIn) Certificate of Completion.