Data Storytelling: Your New Super-Power

Becky Gandillon

Data storytelling is the real-world skill of translating numbers and analyses into things normal humans can (and want to) understand. It’s a skill that’s hard to find and difficult to cultivate, because storytelling is an art and a science. If you think in Venn diagrams, imagine the circle of really excellent storytellers that make you want to pay attention, like Steven Spielberg, Walt Disney or Taylor Swift. Layer on top of that another circle of people – people that really get numbers. They organize their lives in spreadsheets and databases.

Now try to see the overlap of those two groups. The ones who think in numbers … and speak in stories. It’s a rare combination. Those are the data storytellers. You can think of them like the glue that holds together data and people that can actually do something with it.

In this session, you will learn about and practice the basics of entering into the world of data storytellers: by making data engaging and fun, making data relatable, and making data actionable.