Telling Stories with Data in 3 Steps (Quick Study)

Harvard Business Review5 minutes read

Storytelling with data involves setup, conflict, and resolution, demonstrated through the analysis of the Global Real Home Price Index chart to highlight different narratives. Breaking down the chart effectively conveys stories like the global rise in home prices, Japan's 30-year bubble, and post-2005 market fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in data communication.

Insights

  • The three essential elements of storytelling with data are setup, conflict, and resolution, providing a structured framework for conveying information effectively.
  • Analyzing charts through the lens of storytelling reveals nuanced narratives within data, showcasing trends like global home price increases, Japan's extended bubble, and post-2005 market fluctuations, highlighting the storytelling potential in data communication.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What are the key elements of storytelling with data?

    Setup, conflict, resolution form the basis.

  • How is storytelling with data demonstrated using a chart?

    Through Global Real Home Price Index analysis.

  • What does the Global Real Home Price Index chart reveal?

    Different stories based on data analysis.

  • How does breaking down a chart into setup, conflict, and resolution aid storytelling?

    Enhances narrative clarity and engagement.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Power of data storytelling in charts

  • Storytelling with data involves three key elements: setup, conflict, resolution, which form the basis of every story.
  • A chart depicting Global Real Home Price Index is used as an example to demonstrate storytelling with data.
  • The chart analysis reveals different stories based on the data, such as the steady rise in home prices globally, Japan's unique 30-year bubble, and market fluctuations post-2005.
  • By breaking down the chart into setup, conflict, and resolution states, the storyteller effectively conveys the narrative without unnecessary distractions, emphasizing the power of storytelling in data communication.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.