AL-DS: Mastering the Art of Data Storytelling

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply the IBCS “SUCCESS” principles for effective data storytelling.
• Identify and address common data presentation challenges.
• Structure compelling data narratives using storytelling techniques.
• Choose appropriate visualizations to enhance clarity and impact.
• Simplify complex data insights for diverse audiences.
• Improve audience engagement by applying the "HEART" framework.
• Develop empathy and adaptability when communicating data-driven insights.
• Maintain ethical standards in data reporting and decision-making.
• Implement design thinking principles for continuous improvement in storytelling.

• Data professionals (analysts, data scientists, BI specialists).
• Business professionals who work with data (sales, supply chain, marketing, finance).
• Anyone responsible for presenting data insights to mixed audiences.
• Professionals looking to improve data visualization and storytelling skills.
• Teams seeking to build a data-driven culture within their organization.

Module 1: Introduction & Goals

• Icebreaking
• Set expectations – clarify this outline is only a guide and not a definitive or golden rules to follow; this course will not cover workplace psychology models (e.g.: DISC, MBTI, 4 leadership styles, VAKOG learning behaviours etc)
• Top 3 general traits of a “data professional” (inquisitive, possess strong inductive & deductive reasoning skills, decisive)
• Identify goals of participants (why are they here, what they want to achieve)

Module 2: IBCS “SUCCESS” Principles Overview

• Explain the 3 pillars of SUCCESS (conceptual, semantic, perceptual*)
• SAY – Convey a message
• UNIFY – Apply semantic notations**
• CONDENSE – Increase information density
• CHECK – Ensure visual integrity
• EXPRESS – Choose proper visualisation
• SIMPLIFY – Avoid clutter
• STRUCTURE – Organise contents

Notes:

• *Day 1 covers “perceptual” principles, followed by “conceptual” and “semantic” principles in Day 2
• **This course does not cover semantic notations in-depth, instead a general guide from IBCS will be shared for further reading

Module 3: Common Challenges of Data Presentation (Theory)

• Activity: Form teams to discuss and present common challenges on their most recent data request/project
• Tackling data challenges with “HEART” in mind:
  • Handle information overload
  • Empathise with audience
  • Adapt for mixed and diverse audience
  • Report responsibly (prevent misuse, delivering bad news with transparency, ethics)
  • Thrive by fostering a data culture and preparing for surprises

Note:

• These challenges will be tackled with SUCCESS principles in mind; and the in-depth of “HEART” will be covered in Day 2

Module 4: Elements of Good Data Storytelling

• Key components: Data, narrative, and visuals
• Crafting compelling data narratives

Module 5: Identifying Core Message

Module 6: Recap on Elements of Good Data Storytelling

• Activity: Recap key components of good data storytelling with work examples

Module 7: Building The Narrative Arc

• Structure the narrative arc: Setting & hook, rising insights, aha moment, resolution & CTA
• Aligning data insights with audience needs

Module 8: Applying “PERCEPTUAL” IBCS Principles
Note: Perceptual refers to acquiring information directly through senses (e.g.: the chair is old, made of plastic, and red in colour)

Module 9: CONDENSE: Increase Information Density

• Summarizing complex information concisely
• Enhancing reporting efficiency
• Techniques for effective data aggregation

Module 10: CHECK: Ensure Visual Integrity

• Maintaining accuracy in visual representations
• Avoiding misleading visuals
• Implementing best practices for data validation

Module 11: EXPRESS: Choose Proper Visualization

• Selecting appropriate chart types
• Emphasizing clarity and simplicity
• Avoiding common visualization pitfalls

Module 12: SIMPLIFY: Avoid Clutter

• Eliminating unnecessary elements
• Focusing on essential information
• Designing clean and effective visuals

Exercise (After Class)
Each team is given a mock dataset to come up with insights and simple visualisations in a report format (NOT dashboard) using the narrative arc and “perceptual” IBCS principles.
The report should contain:

• Requirement brief
• Core message
• Data narrative arc

The report must not exceed 10 slides. The next day, each team is given 10 mins to present their findings.

Module 13: Applying “CONCEPTUAL” IBCS Principles
Note: Conceptual refers to ideas, meaning and abstract understanding (e.g.: the chair is a place to sit)

Module 14: SAY: Convey a Message

• Defining clear messages in data presentations
• Aligning messages with audience needs
• Techniques for effective storytelling

Module 15: STRUCTURE: Organize Content

• Organizing information logically
• Using clear headings and subdivisions
• Ensuring consistent formatting

Module 16: UNIFY: Apply Semantic Notation

• Standardizing symbols, colours, and terms
• Ensuring consistency across reports and presentations
• Implementing a unified design language

Module 17: Tackling Data Challenges With “HEART” In Mind

Module 18: Understanding The Human Mind

• How algorithms are formed in human brains
• Harmful algorithms
• Beneficial algorithms
• Awareness of your own algorithms
• Behaviour-impact analysis

Module 19: Overcoming Common Communication Barriers

• Handle information overload: Active listening and its importance
• Empathise with audience: Building Empathy and Understanding
• Adapting communication styles to different audiences
• Report responsibly (prevent misuse, delivering bad news with transparency, ethics)
• Thrive by fostering a data culture and preparing for surprises

Module 20: Building Empathy and Understanding

• Recognizing diverse perspectives
• Developing emotional intelligence
• Strategies for effective collaboration

Module 21: Reflection & Post-Mortem

• The art of providing feedback (the sandwich approach)
• The art of receiving feedback (growth mindset)
• Continuous improvement & learning

Module 22: Introduction to Design Thinking
Identifying areas of improvement (or CTA statements) using “How Might We” formula

• What is design thinking
• Criteria of CTA statements
• Formula: How might we [work on the CTA] so that [proposed outcome is met]?

Check Learner’s Understanding
Each team is given time to discuss on their collective “areas of improvements” and share with the entire class