Effective data storytelling

Recent Blog Posts

Why The Pyramid Principle Is Not A Data Storytelling Framework

Why The Pyramid Principle Is Not A Data Storytelling Framework

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

July 22, 2026

Over the last 50 years, Barbara Minto's Pyramid Principle has transformed business communication with its top-down approach. Many practitioners don't realize Minto highlighted two situations where it isn't suitable. Surprise, surprise. Data stories fill the gaps where the Pyramid Principle leaves insights implied and unexplained.

The Key Elements Of A Good Data Story (And Why Visuals Aren't One of Them)

The Key Elements Of A Good Data Story (And Why Visuals Aren't One of Them)

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

June 9, 2026

Most data presentations fail not because of bad charts, but because they lack structure. Learn the three pillars every effective data story needs: the Hook, the Aha Moment, and Narrative Flow. Get them right, and your insights will do more than inform. They'll inspire action.

Five Excellent Data Storytelling Examples (And What Makes Them Work)

Five Excellent Data Storytelling Examples (And What Makes Them Work)

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

March 31, 2026

If you want to improve your data storytelling craft, you've probably looked for solid examples and come up empty-handed. Here, I break down five of the best freely accessible data stories I found, looking at why they work, what makes them stand out, and even where they could be stronger.

Why Charts Designed For Dashboards Fail In Data Stories

Why Charts Designed For Dashboards Fail In Data Stories

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

January 13, 2026

Why do clear, well-designed dashboard charts lose impact in presentations? Because dashboards and data stories optimize for different goals. This post introduces four design lenses that explain the tradeoffs and why repurposing charts without rethinking design often falls short.

Measurement Over Metaphor: Rethinking The Conversion Funnel

Measurement Over Metaphor: Rethinking The Conversion Funnel

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

October 9, 2025

Traditional funnel charts look intuitive but distort reality—hiding drop-offs, misaligning comparisons, and emphasizing what remains over what’s lost. This post examines five challenges in visualizing funnels and introduces the Framed Funnel Chart—a bar-inspired redesign that preserves flow while enhancing accuracy, readability, and comparability.

Data Storytelling 101: A Beginner's Guide To Turning Insights Into Action

Data Storytelling 101: A Beginner's Guide To Turning Insights Into Action

Brent Dykes Avatar Photo

June 12, 2025

Think your numbers speak for themselves? Think again. Even the most powerful insights fall flat without the right storytelling approach. This comprehensive guide walks you through the five foundational elements of data storytelling—from understanding your audience to crafting compelling narratives. Whether you're new to data communication or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll learn practical techniques to turn insights into action.

Get the Book

Effective Data Storytelling

Master the art and science of data storytelling—with frameworks and techniques to help you craft compelling stories with data.

Effectively communicating with data is a necessity in organizations of all types and sizes. It’s often the crucial last mile in the analysis process that determines whether an insight will inspire action. Transforming data into visual communication is only one part of the picture—it’s just as important to engage your audience with a memorable and persuasive story. Narratives are more powerful than raw statistics, more enduring then pretty charts. Effective Data Storytelling teaches you how to communicate insights that influence decisions, inspire action, and drive change.

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