Altavoces

Gary Wolf
Co-Founder of The Quantified Self
Lea Pica
Founder, Story-driven by Data
Jason Forrest
Associate Partner & Director, Data Visualization Lab at McKinsey & Company, Editor-in-chief of Nightingale

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From Insight to Impact with Data Storytelling

October 2023

Summary

Data storytelling is becoming a crucial skill for both personal and professional life, vital for making informed decisions across various aspects of life. The session titled "From Insight to Impact with Data Storytelling" inspected how data visualization and storytelling can be used to effect significant change. The panelists, including Lea Pica, Gary Wolf, and Jason Forrest, each brought unique perspectives on the power and responsibility of data storytelling. Lea Pica, with her background in musical theater, highlighted the significance of joining narratives and visuals to create compelling data stories that empower audiences. Gary Wolf stressed understanding the human aspect behind data and the importance of transparency in data sources. Jason Forrest discussed the role of empathy and humanization in data storytelling, sharing insights from his work at McKinsey. An important theme was the responsible use of data, ensuring that stories told with data are accurate and ethical. The discussion concluded with tips on cultivating a data storytelling culture within organizations to enhance decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

Key Takeaways:

Data storytelling extends beyond professional use; it's a fundamental life skill.
Narrative, visuals, and data are vital elements of impactful data stories.
Empathy and humanization in data storytelling enhance audience connection.
Responsible data storytelling requires transparency and truthfulness.
Cultivating a data storytelling culture involves training and stakeholder engagement.

Deep Dives

The Power of Data Storytelling

Data storytelling ...
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is not just a professional buzzword but a vital skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions. Lea Pica emphasized the importance of narrative in data storytelling, noting that "visual storytelling is the oldest form of communication." She highlighted how powerful stories, with relatable characters and interesting events, can transform audiences, making them feel empowered with new insights. The session discussed how the elements of a good story—interesting characters, turning points, and a satisfying conclusion—are often missing in data presentations, leading to disengaged audiences. By connecting audiences with the data, making them the 'heroes' of the story, and using empathy and compassion, data presenters can effect meaningful impact.

Responsible Data Storytelling

Responsible data storytelling was an important theme, with a focus on ensuring accuracy and ethical considerations in data presentations. Lea Pica pointed out that the first question to ask when analyzing data is, "What is my hoped-for outcome?" This introspection helps prevent biases that might skew data presentations. Gary Wolf expanded on this by discussing the importance of understanding the provenance of data, stating that "as data sources multiply, we're dealing with data sets that are aggregates." The importance of transparency in data sources and the need for active thinkers in data visualization were stressed as essential components of ethical storytelling.

Building a Data Storytelling Culture

Creating a culture of data storytelling within organizations can significantly enhance decision-making processes. Lea Pica shared her insights on how organizations investing in storytelling skills can gain a competitive edge, citing that when stakeholders are excited about meetings, it indicates successful data communication. Gary Wolf added that articulating the position from which data is presented increases credibility, cultivating a collaborative environment. Jason Forrest highlighted the role of empathy in humanizing data, sharing examples from his work that brought about organizational change by connecting data with human experiences.

Data Storytelling as a Team Sport

The session concluded with the idea that data storytelling should not be a solitary exercise but a collaborative effort. Jason Forrest advocated for treating data storytelling as a "team sport," where diverse perspectives enrich the narrative. This collaborative approach helps prevent misinformation and ensures that data stories resonate with diverse audiences. By practicing storytelling in various formats and engaging with audiences directly, organizations can cultivate a culture where data is not just presented but also understood and acted upon effectively.