How to Present a Compelling Report: Data Visualization & Storytelling?
As a research analyst, you have done all the hard work. You spent days and nights researching and gathering data, trying to present it into an insightful report with facts and figures.
So, you have created the report. Logically, you want your clients to pay attention to your findings, but only to find out they are not so interested in boring facts and figures.
Don’t worry; we have all been there. Now, the key question for entrepreneurs to ask a research analyst is—how to deliver data in such a way as to heighten the interest of stakeholders and make them listen to you?
Well, data visualization and storytelling may be just what you need. Let’s continue reading.
What is Data Visualization?
Data visualization is the presentation of data with components like charts, maps, and graphs to visually define patterns and other relevant information for strategic decision making.
Here’s an example of what data visualization is and why it is so important? As an entrepreneur, you hired an agency to conduct two ad campaigns and waiting for the results so you can determine which campaign is more successful in optimizing.
You are sitting there as the agency analyst presents the report, looking at the screen, watching the analyst consistently display graphs and figures, but all those statistics are getting confusing. Somewhere, the solution gets lost, and you’re left puzzled and bored to the heart.
But with the magical tools of data visualization and storyboard, you can convert these dull and cumbersome reports into something exciting and unique.
Sell Your Story with Data Visualization
One thing for sure is that people love stories. Human beings have been fond of storytelling from the ancient days. By incorporating storytelling in your marketing reports, you are helping stakeholders visualize things, so they gain better understanding and insight into the facts.
Numbers and stats can be boring. You have to make them see the value of numbers and why it so important; how it can solve a problem and guide you as to when to scale your business.
The Connection Between Data Visualization and Storytelling
Many people think data visualization and storytelling are the same. We can’t deny the fact that both of these techniques are interconnected, but they are somewhat different at the same time.
With data visualization, you are visually presenting the collected facts and figures. It tells you about a concrete result. About how, when, and why? By including elements such as patterns, graphs, figures, charts, and comparison tables. Data storytelling lets you tell the background story related to the information. That makes your data more factual, exciting, and guide the business in making better decisions.
“Organizations with reatime data visualization achieved a 15% increase in cash generated from operations.” – Aberdeen
Use Infographics to Visually Present Your Report
Here are some common types of visuals to sell your story.
The List – The list is the simplest and most effective infographic technique for the efficient delivery of the information. This also lets the reader skip through the details so they can quickly figure out what they’re looking for to make decisions. A list does not follow a particular order, but all the items must be co-related and revolve around one topic.
Flowchart – The flowchart infographics show an entire method, step by step. It helps understand the beginning and the end of a cycle, thus attenuating the key points. Flowcharts are simple and fun to use on social media platforms.
Comparison – Comparisons are often easier if you want to make a case comparing two or more things. Many elements, such as charts and tables, can make the comparison infographic even more appealing. Also, it is important to choose a comparison design that fits well with the information that you present.
Visual Article – Visual articles are a visual illustration of the facts and figures that you present, making them easier to grasp and more attractive. You can construct something unusual, creative, and insightful with visualized infographics out of meaningless algorithms, figures, charts, and numbers.
Map Infographic – Map infographics present data related to surveys, statistics, and other demographical data in the form of maps using elements such as color codes, heat maps, icons, and other similar tools.
Timeline – Timeline infographics are ideal for storytelling tactics. If you have opted to tell a story to your audience with history and have unique periods, the timeline infographic is a perfect choice. By following a timeline, you are not confusing your audience as you are telling the story in a flow. Just stay consistent and do not switch back and forth frequently because that will leave your audience confused.
Final Thoughts
We live in an era where piles of raw data are generated daily through various online platforms. You cannot meaningfully use that data unless you have polished it into something useful and relatable.
Data Visualization Infographic allows you to visually present your data in a way that makes it more effective. By using data visualization and storytelling, your audience comprehends the data more quickly and efficiently. There are multiple ways to present data visually, and it is critical to choose the best technique that can deliver your message as clearly as possible to your audience.
Need to learn more? Take a look at “15 stunning examples of data visualizations.”
Also, let’s review my last article.
Please share your thoughts and comments!