Why Data-driven Storytelling skill matters

I want you to imagine the following scenario:

You are sitting in a business meeting, a variety of numbers keep flashing on the screen, different charts keep popping up, there's no dearth of bullet points and text on the slides.?

Despite this being a very important meeting, you somehow feel zoned out.…Sounds familiar??

Research shows that 65% of executives struggle to make decisions due to data overload (Forrester), and a staggering 90% of the data we generate goes unused (IDC).?

All of us very often feel we are Drowning in Data.There's just too much of it for the human mind to fathom, isn't there?

?Here's an insight:

Data alone doesn’t drive decisions—Stories do. Stories that connect the dots and help to imagine the real/human impact of a business decision.

Data-driven storytelling is the ability to take numbers, trends, and insights and turn them into compelling narratives that persuade, influence, and inspire action. It’s not just for analysts; it’s a game-changer for everyone—leaders, managers, sales teams, and even HR.

The question is at what stage do you leverage stories?

We recommend a 4 step Data-to-Story approach. It's based on the principles of Design Thinking. Here's what it entails:

Step I: Empathizing with decision-makers

The question you need to find answer for is: "What Decision or Action will my data enable my target audience to take?"

This requires you to identify the potential decisions or actions your leader or target audience are likely to take?based on the data you present. An important part of this exercise is to anticipate the objections they are likely to take when you present to them.

Step II: Discovering the BIG Idea

The question you need to find answer for is: "What is the core theme I need to convey through my data?"?

OR phrased differently

"What is my unique Point-of-View (PoV) that characterizes the business situation behind the data?"

This requires you to uncover the real world situation that your data insights directly relate to thus allowing you to form your own considered opinion on the situation at hand. The Big Idea should always be articulated in simple language.

Step III: Ideating & Crafting a Story

The question you need to find answer for is: "What Narrative arc can influence my target audience towards intended action?"

This requires you to identify your Point A (what's the current situation) and Point B (what's the desired state), and the journey needed to be undertaken/decisions that need to me made to move from A to B. The key question is who is the main character/protagonist who needs to make this journey.

Step IV: Narrating the Story

The question you need to find answer for is: "How best can I tell my story to my target audience?"

This requires you to present your data story in a very engaging manner- a strong hook to begin with, a clear flow of the narrative and a memorable end. The more you are able to involve your audience in the story and get them to interact with you the more impactful you become at preseting the data story.

Conclusion

The use of storytelling in the way you present data can be a real gamechanger and help your audience connect with the essence of your message. Remember, stats by themselves are just numbers, stories bring them to life!

Know more: https://basecamp.stori5.com/info