Read Time – 4 minutes
We send out reports, dashboards, and slide decks expecting our audience to instantly grasp the insights.
But here’s the reality: They don’t.
Without the right context, numbers don’t mean much. Without narrative, key insights get lost. Without you, your data isn’t as valuable as it should be.
It’s time to stop assuming people will “get it” and start making sure they do.
The fix? Narrate your data story.
The Problem: Data Without Context Falls Flat
Imagine sending a reports, dashboards, or slides packed with charts and numbers.
You might think it’s clear. But your audience sees:
✘ Numbers without meaning
✘ Trends without direction
✘ Insights without clear action
Your dashboard might tell a story, but without you, it’s just numbers on a screen.
The solution? Narration.
The Fix: Add a Personal Narrative to Your Data
You already explain key takeaways when you present. Why not add the same clarity to the reports, dashboards, and slides you send?
How? Record a short video or audio clip to go with your data story.
✔ 60 seconds or less → Keep it short and focused.
✔ Highlight the three things your audience should remember.
✔ Use plain language → No jargon, just clarity.
This works for dashboards, reports, and presentations.
Example: Adding Narration to a Dashboard
Let’s say you built a customer retention dashboard. You send it out, but leadership has questions:
- What’s the biggest takeaway we should focus on?
- Are we losing customers, or are they just spending less?
- What actions should we take next?
Instead of leaving them guessing, you add a short video:
“Here’s the big takeaway: While our customer retention rate is strong at 92%, revenue per customer is slipping. That means we’re keeping customers, but they’re spending less.
Why does this matter? If this trend continues, we’ll hit our customer goals but miss our revenue targets. This suggests that engagement may be dropping, or our pricing model isn’t maximizing value.
Here’s what we should do next: The best opportunity is upselling. Let’s focus on targeted offers for engaged customers, especially those who haven’t purchased in the last 90 days. I’ll follow up with a list of accounts where the team can start.”
Now, instead of confusion, your audience immediately knows what matters.
Why This Works
✔ Saves time → No more follow-up emails asking, “Can you explain this?”
✔ Drives action → People understand what to do next.
✔ Boosts clarity → Your insights don’t get lost in the numbers.
Take Action
Next time you send dashboards, reports, or slide decks, try this:
- Record a short video or audio clip
- Answer the three big questions before they ask
- Make your data impossible to ignore
Your data story isn’t complete without you. Add your voice. Watch engagement soar.
Make Your Data Impossible to Ignore
Your data has a story but without context, it gets lost.
At Data Story Academy, we teach professionals how to design dashboards, slides, and reports that don’t just inform—but persuade. Learn how to structure your insights, anticipate key questions, and deliver data stories that drive action.
Ready to make your data speak?
Let’s turn your data into decisions. See you next Tuesday!
