Ep407 - Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic | Storytelling with Data
Dec 29, 2023
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Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, author of 'Storytelling with Data', discusses the importance of telling a story with data and offers insights on effective data visualization. They explore the power of storytelling in data communication and emphasize the significance of asking for action rather than simply presenting data. They also discuss the importance of color in data visualization and the value of continuous learning and using different tools for data storytelling.
Using clear and concise visuals can effectively draw attention to specific parts of the data.
Providing context and making data relevant to the audience improves audience engagement.
Combining effective visuals with a strong narrative creates powerful and engaging data stories.
Deep dives
The power of storytelling with data
In this podcast episode, author Cole Nussbommer-Naflic discusses her book, 'Storytelling with Data,' which teaches the fundamentals of data visualization and effective communication with data. She emphasizes the importance of going beyond conventional tools and using data to create engaging and compelling stories. Nussbommer-Naflic provides examples of organizations using data visualization effectively and offers insights on how to focus attention, leverage pre-attentive attributes, and tell a clear and captivating story with data.
Using visuals intentionally
The podcast highlights the importance of using visuals intentionally in data communication. It stresses the need to avoid confusing or cluttered graphs and instead focus on clear and concise visuals that draw the audience's attention to specific parts of the data. Nussbommer-Naflic provides examples of visuals that effectively convey key insights, such as using color to highlight important information or employing strategic design to guide the audience's understanding.
The role of context in data communication
One of the main lessons discussed in the podcast is the importance of context in data communication. Nussbommer-Naflic suggests that having a clear understanding of the audience and their needs is essential before creating data visuals. She stresses the need to provide context, explain the significance of the data, and make it relevant to the audience. By setting the right context, data visuals can effectively convey the desired message and improve audience engagement.
The impact of storytelling on data visualization
The podcast delves into the impact of storytelling on data visualization and communication. Nussbommer-Naflic discusses how storytelling helps to make data memorable and impactful. By using plot, twists, and a compelling ending, stories can resonate with the audience and make the data more memorable. The episode emphasizes the importance of combining effective visuals with a strong narrative to create powerful and engaging data stories.
Practical tips for effective data communication
In this podcast episode, Nussbommer-Naflic shares practical tips for effective data communication. She encourages using visuals intentionally, providing context, focusing attention strategically, and telling a clear and engaging story. The episode highlights specific tools such as Excel and Tableau that can be used to build effective visualizations. Nussbommer-Naflic also emphasizes the need to steal with pride by learning from experts and examples in the field of data visualization.
Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic visits Google to discuss her book “Storytelling with Data”.
It’s surprisingly easy to make a confusing graph. No one sets out with that purpose, but it happens frequently—across all industries and by all sorts of well-intending people. One way to avoid this challenge is to never simply show data, but rather to tell a story with it.
“Storytelling with Data” teaches you the fundamentals of data visualization and how to communicate effectively with data. You'll discover the power of storytelling and the way to make data a pivotal point in your story. Storytelling is not an inherent skill, especially when it comes to data visualization, and the tools at our disposal don't make it any easier. This book demonstrates how to go beyond conventional tools to reach the root of your data, and how to use your data to create an engaging, informative, compelling story.
Rid your world of ineffective graphs, one exploding 3D pie chart at a time. There is a story in your data—and this book will give you the skills and power to tell it.