STORYTELLING #1 – Getting started with storytelling

Welcome to my first article in the Storytelling category !

My goal is to share my insights, best practices, and tips about Storytelling, either through my own content or by sharing existing resources (No need to reinvent the wheel 😊).

What is Storytelling ?

As defined by The Cambridge Dictionary (1), “Storytelling is the activity of writing, telling, or reading stories.” In the context of data, storytelling involves the use of data to convey insights and narratives that resonate with your audience. It transforms raw data into a compelling narrative that is not only informative but also engaging. By blending data with storytelling techniques, you can make complex information more accessible and impactful.

Why should you learn Storytelling ?

This article captures it perfectly (2): “Data can persuade people, but it doesn't inspire them to act; to do that, you need to wrap your vision in a story that fires the imagination and stirs the soul.” Storytelling with data helps bridge the gap between analytical insight and meaningful action. It allows you to communicate complex information in a way that is both understandable and memorable. By learning to tell stories with data, you can make your insights more compelling and drive real change.

How to learn Storytelling ?

I recommend three sources to get started with Storytelling.

• Harvard Business Review has great articles on storytelling. By following their guidance, you can enhance your ability to convey complex ideas effectively and inspire your audience to take action.

• Another excellent resource is the book "Show Me The Numbers" by Stephen Few. This book provides comprehensive guidance on presenting quantitative information clearly and effectively.

• Microsoft has a lot of training materials on how to create compelling visualizations. Their resources include tutorials on using Power BI to visualize and present data effectively. I would start with this one here.

Sources & Definitions:

1. (No date) Storytelling | English meaning - cambridge dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/storytelling (Accessed: 03 August 2024).

2. Monarth, H. (2014) The irresistible power of storytelling as a strategic business tool, Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2014/03/the-irresistible-power-of-storytelling-as-a-strategic-business-tool (Accessed: 03 August 2024).