Read time: 3 minutes

I’ll come right out and say it: most dashboards fail to tell a cohesive story.

We’ve all seen it—dashboards crammed with charts, numbers, and filters, trying to be everything for everyone. They’re supposed to be the holy grail of data storytelling, yet they often leave audiences overwhelmed and confused.

The real problem? Disconnected stories.

When data is spread across multiple slides, dashboards, or spreadsheet tabs with no clear connections, it leads to chaos:

• Inconsistencies: Teams interpret data differently because nothing ties it all together.
• Inefficiencies: Leaders waste time trying to make sense of fragmented insights.
• Mistrust: Decision-makers lose confidence in the data itself.

So, what’s a data storyteller to do?

The unfortunate answer is that most people try to solve the problem by adding even more complexity.

They cram more charts into their dashboards. They add more tabs to their spreadsheets. They try to build a one-size-fits-all presentation that only deepens the confusion.

Here’s what usually happens next:

• Stakeholders get lost in the sea of visuals.
• The team misaligns on key takeaways.
• Hours of revisions follow to “fix” what was broken in the delivery.

I know this because I’ve made the same mistake myself.

Forget the “Masterpiece Dashboard.” Create a Connected Story Instead.

If I could go back and give my younger self advice, it would be this: focus on connecting your data story.

A connected story ties all your visuals together with clear navigation paths, ensuring your audience stays focused on the insights that matter most.

Here’s how:
1️⃣ Start with a clear structure. Think of your dashboard, slides, or tabs as chapters in a book. Each one should flow logically into the next.
2️⃣ Use connected cues to guide navigation. Add links, filters, arrows, or highlights to connect your story and guide your audience through the insights being revealed.
3️⃣ Simplify wherever possible. Less is more. Show only what’s needed to tell the story clearly.

Why It Works

By connecting your story, you unlock:

• Clarity: Everyone sees the same insights, interpreted the same way.
• Efficiency: Stakeholders quickly understand the story, saving time and effort.
• Trust: Decision-makers feel confident in a single version of the data and the storyteller delivering it.

When I started focusing on connected stories instead of trying to create a “perfect dashboard" everything changed. Meetings became shorter. Alignment was easier. And most importantly, my stakeholders got the answers they needed without frustration.

The myth of the “perfect dashboard” is just that—a myth. But creating a connected story? That’s a game-changer.

Want to learn how to connect your story and 50 other data storytelling techniques? Check out our data storytelling courses and challenges.