In Conversation

Laura Warren, Storylytics Founder

Over a 20-year career in leadership roles within Canada’s largest syndicated research and loyalty firms, Laura became known as the ‘data whisperer’ because of her ability to clarify complex issues through data, graphics, and narrative.


Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Don’t Diss the Dashboard [Part 1]


Design

Jun 15, 2023

Dashboards have their place in the world, but not all dashboards are created equal. It’s not just about presenting data; it’s also about providing focus.

Read More


Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Design


Don’t Diss the Dashboard [Part 1]

Dashboards have their place in the world, but not all dashboards are created equal. It’s not just about presenting data; it’s also about providing focus.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Tips


The Greatest Skill to Master as a Data Storyteller

When it comes to landing your message, remember your audience will realistically remember just one thing from any presentation. Make sure it’s the one they need to hear—the controlling idea—and watch the magic happen.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


Is AI Going to Change the Face of Data Storytelling?

Artificial intelligence isn’t new—its origins go back close to 80 years at this point—but as it evolves (and gets smarter!), we start to wonder how it will factor into the future and if it will fully replace humans in certain areas. But how will it affect data storytelling, specifically?

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Tips


What ‘Don’t Look Up’ Teaches Us About Data Storytelling

Yes, it’s a satirical dark comedy about impending global doom, but there is one scene that encapsulates everything that can go wrong in data storytelling. All in three short minutes.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Tips


What, So What, Now What

If there ever was one phrase that causes heads to explode, it’s “I need the ‘so what.’”  I hear it from leaders and team members and, while it seems easy to define, it is the most challenging stage of data storytelling. But it’s not impossible. Read on for the missing link in finding the ‘so […]

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


Three Things All Great Storytellers Know

Ever wondered why your leadership team decided to proceed in a direction that’s completely counter to the research you just presented? Your data may present the facts, but you need a clear data story to influence action.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


Why Visualization Alone Isn’t Storytelling

It never fails—whenever I tell an audience “visualization isn’t storytelling,” I’m met with looks of surprise and doubt. But then I explain the role each plays in connecting with decision makers, and I can almost hear the click as everything falls into place. That’s when I know a data storyteller is born.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


Is Data Literacy Enough?

Over the past couple of years, data literacy has been getting its well-deserved moment in the sun. It is now considered the newest discipline in business acumen, right up there with market and financial literacy. But as I reflect on the approaches organizations are taking to build data literacy, I’m struck by an important question: […]

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


When It’s An Insight — and How To Get There

If you really want to know where you stand as a provider of insight, it’s good to take a step back, objectively look at the experience and find your place on the insight matrix. While knowing you have an issue is a valuable first step, figuring out an escape route to a better vantage point […]

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


What’s an Insight? (And Who Decides?)

While data analysis can uncover all kinds of useful information, not everything that is revealed is truly insightful. Read on for the boxes you should tick before you declare that you’ve uncovered an insight.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Tips


How RAD Are You? How to Get the Data Stories You Need

When the data stories aren’t delivering, it can be tough to figure out why. Applying the RAD principle can go a long way to helping you get back on course.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


Stories Must Stay True to Data

Reaching business goals does not come from spin. And putting conclusions before data helps no one. It is the storyteller’s job to translate the truth in the data—no matter how difficult it is to hear.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

POET Technique


Every Page is a Story

Strong data stories stand alone – they don’t depend on a human voice-over to deliver clear insights that demand action. Read on to see how the POET Technique™ works to make every page matter in your story.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Design


All Good (Data) Stories Start at the End

How do businesses keep insights flowing when physical distance is the norm? It’s harder, but not impossible. Data storytelling frameworks help lead the way.

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Strategy


Make Data Matter

It’s never about the data. It’s about what the data can help us understand, and how it can bring us together to act. Articulating that value is how we truly make data matter. [Disclaimer: This article was written just before the start of Canada’s COVID-19 lockdown, and so much has changed in the months since […]

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Tips


What Story Is Your Data Telling?

Presenting data to create a business case that inspires action goes far beyond charts and graphs

Read More

Concept illustration, based on the theme of 'Data Storytelling'

Design


The Three Core Steps to Data Storytelling

Building an effective data story is based on a sequential process;  – first data, then narrative, and finally visualization.

Read More

With Storylytics, anyone can be a storyteller

Turn your data into action with Storylytics

Turn your data into
 action with Storylytics