You have a presentation to deliver soon, but you're not sure how to craft a compelling story that will engage your audience and persuade them to take action. You don't have much time to prepare, but you don't want to bore them with facts and figures. How can you create a captivating narrative that will make your message memorable and effective?
Before you start writing your story, you need to know who you're talking to and what they care about. What are their goals, challenges, needs, and interests? How can you relate to them and show them that you understand their situation? What do you want them to feel, think, and do after your presentation? By answering these questions, you can tailor your story to your audience and make it relevant and appealing.
This is how I make presentations as a data analyst: (POV: When deadlines approach!) I write a brief intro in 1-2 slides. Embed the dashboard on the 3rd slide. ? This saves a lot of space and time. Create an engaging recap of recommendations in the last slides. And I am done. Simple.
I think Plot the Data Journey: Outline data's evolution, showcasing highs and lows Infuse Real Story: Blend anecdotes to humanize insights making data relatables Highlight Wins and Challenges: Present hurdles conquered and victories achieved Craft clear conclusions: condense findings into actionable takeaways Engage and Enlighten: keep it concise yet impactful, leaving a lasting impressions
Before telling a story, know your audience: who they are, what they like, and what they need. Shape your story to match, so it gives them what they're looking for and in my perception story building starts at the beginning of analysis so the deadline shouldn't be a problem.
Next, you need to decide what is the main point or takeaway of your presentation. What is the one thing you want your audience to remember and act on? This is your core message, and it should be clear, concise, and compelling. Your core message should answer the question: why should your audience care about what you have to say? It should also be aligned with your audience's goals and needs, and address their pain points or opportunities.
Clarify the main message your dashboard conveys. Ensure it clearly presents the information stakeholders are seeking. Focus visuals on one key message or finding, making sure they support that specific insight and don't create confusion.
Now that you have your audience and your core message, you need to choose a story structure that will help you deliver it effectively. One of the most common and powerful structures is the three-act structure, which starts with the exposition. Here, you introduce your characters, your setting, and your problem or conflict. You want to hook your audience's attention and make them empathize with your situation. In the rising action, you build up the tension and the stakes, showing how you or your characters try to solve the problem or overcome the conflict. You create suspense and anticipation, and demonstrate the challenges and obstacles you face. Finally, in the resolution, you reveal the outcome and consequences of your actions, delivering your core message and call to action. This should make your audience feel satisfied and inspired.
Shape the flow of your story by deciding on a structure. Typically, we begin by outlining the situation, introducing the problem, providing a solution, and presenting supporting factors. However, keep in mind that the story structure should align with the preferences of your stakeholders. For instance, top management often prefers concise details and absolute numbers over a detailed, well-structured narrative.
To make your story more engaging and persuasive, you can employ storytelling techniques that will help you connect with your audience and convey your message more effectively. For instance, instead of telling your audience what you mean, use anecdotes and examples to show them with specific and concrete stories that illustrate your points. This will make your presentation more vivid and relatable, and help your audience remember your message better. Additionally, instead of relying on facts and figures, use emotions and senses to appeal to your audience's emotions. This will make your presentation more human and personal, and help your audience feel what you feel and care about what you care. Moreover, instead of following a predictable and linear path, create contrast and surprise in your story. This will make your presentation more dynamic and interesting, while keeping your audience attentive and curious.
Maintain a dynamic pace by balancing action, dialogue, and description. Avoid unnecessary details, focus on what drives the plot forward.
Finally, you need to practice and refine your story before you present it. You don't have to memorize every word, but you should know the main points and transitions of your story, and how to deliver them with confidence and clarity. You should also get feedback from someone who can give you honest and constructive criticism, and help you improve your story. You should also time yourself and make sure you fit within your allotted time frame, and adjust your story accordingly.
Keep in mind that storytelling is a method to present your findings in a concise, clear, and effective manner. The true hero is your findings. If you're pressed for time, consider creating a very simple presentation that straightforwardly explains your key discoveries.