There is a lot of talk about using storytelling to better communicate the value of data and analytics — how much do you personally know about the art of storytelling and how to improve these skills?

I've come to realize that storytelling isn't just a nice-to-have skill – it's absolutely crucial. And let me tell you, it's been a journey and a hard one too. Below is how I transformed myself in this journey

Know your audience - A story that resonates with the CFO might put the CMO to sleep. Tailoring is key.
Start with the 'why' - People care about the implications of data, not just the numbers themselves.
Use analogies - Comparing complex data concepts to everyday experiences can make them more digestible.
Create tension - Set up a problem or challenge early in your narrative to keep people engaged.

But here's the thing – I'm still learning. Every presentation, every report, every casual conversation about data is an opportunity to refine these skills. I've found that the best way to improve is to seek feedback relentlessly.

I recommend a couple of books that I think are very helpful to improving these skills:
"Storytelling with Data" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

"Made to Stick" by Chip Heath

I am passionate about the need for better storytelling. One small but practical example is how I have been working with my team to reposition the data governance / Policy conformance metrics so they tell the story of progress, value, and risk at a glance. I have been surprised by the amount of time this has taken and low starting point.  These are now skills I am looking to develop further with the team. 

Over time, I think I've developed some storytelling skills, especially when presenting in different forums. But it really depends on the forum you're presenting in. In the Indian context, for example, board meetings or senior management meetings usually have a long agenda list. Getting attention for what you're going to present is crucial. If you can grab their attention in the first one or two minutes of your presentation, people will be engaged and start asking questions. That initial one or two minutes to capture the stakeholders' attention during your presentation is crucial for it to go smoothly. They'll start delving into the facts, asking questions, and initiating discussions. Another thing is the presentation itself. Most of the time, we have a PowerPoint presentation, which I think is necessary because it gives you pointers to speak on and people can also see it on the screen. How you create the presentation also matters. 

To be honest, I'm not an expert in storytelling and I'm somewhat skeptical of some of the advice around it. I think spending time building relationships and understanding what's on the agenda of the stakeholders for any presentation or communication you're creating is actually more important. That's the best way to tell the story. Tailoring the story and trying to put yourself in their shoes to provide a narrative that will be compelling based on what you understand about their priorities, goals, and objectives. It's not the answer you were probably looking for, but I believe that's the best approach. However, it's easier said than done. It requires effort to nurture those relationships and really understand and empathize with the stakeholders to figure out what's in it for them.