Data Storytelling

Last week, we built the engine for data-driven storytelling. We connected the SCQM framework—Situation, Complication, Question, Main Message—to the deep work of synthesis that creates it. You learned how to produce tension and provide its release by finding the Complication (C) and the Main Message (M). You now possess a powerful structure for communicating your […]

Last week, we buried the False Hierarchy. We exposed the myth that presenting the story of our analytical journey is persuasive—our data sources, our methodology, our “kitchen tour.” It is not. It is a slow, dull, confusing narrative that quickly and inevitably kills our stakeholders’ attention. We replaced it with a simple framework: the SCQM—Situation, […]

Imagine you’re a stakeholder. You jump onto a Zoom call about an analysis you asked for last week. An analyst begins to present. They start with the business question—which you already know. Then they walk you through their methodology, their data sources, and their cleaning process. Ten minutes are gone. You are being given a […]

The most dangerous assumption in data analytics is that rigor equals value. We’re taught that the more complex our model, the cleaner our data, and the more comprehensive our dashboard, the more valuable our work becomes. We’ve been trained to show our work meticulously as we build our unassailable case of proof. This is a […]

Last week, I gave you the blueprint for persuasion. The SCQM framework is not a theory. It is a weapon for analysts who want to drive action. It is the structure that turns data into a decision. Many of you asked to see it in the wild. That is what you get today. We are […]

We have established a hard rule. You will no longer deliver a complex, interactive dashboard and expect your stakeholder to find their own insight. That approach is an abdication of your core responsibility. It makes you a tool provider, not a strategic partner. Your job is to deliver the story: a focused, opinionated narrative that […]

You spent two weeks building it. You cleaned the data, structured the queries, perfected every filter, and polished every visual. You delivered the dashboard to your stakeholder, feeling proud. You gave them the keys to the kingdom. You empowered them. This is a mistake. That feeling of empowerment is an illusion. By delivering a dashboard, […]

Over the past few weeks, we’ve examined the anatomy of bad charts in our Chart Crime Scene series — from issues of Contrast to breakdowns in Clear Meaning and sloppy Refined Execution. Each one was a reminder that data visualization isn’t just about making things look good — it’s about making meaning clear. But even […]

Oscar week is upon us, and on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards will once again honor the very best in film. However, as Hollywood gears up for its most anticipated evening, it’s worth revisiting one of the most notorious Oscar mishaps — the 2017 Best Picture mix-up. That startling error wasn’t simply […]

Today, we wrap-up our review of the three rules for effective dataviz by learning how to minimize distractions through a refined execution of key design principles. We’ll dive into why polished visuals and meticulous attention to detail are crucial for creating data visualizations that grab your audience’s attention, effectively convey your message, and appear pleasing […]