storytelling with data podcast
Rid your world of ineffective graphs and mediocre presentations, one exploding 3D pie chart at a time! The storytelling with data podcast from bestselling author, speaker, and workshop guru, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic and the storytelling with data team covers topics related to better business communications, data storytelling, and knockout presentations.
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #76 deliver with confidence
04/19/2024
storytelling with data podcast: #76 deliver with confidence
In this repost of the Data Viz Today podcast, Information Designer Alli Torban talks with Cole about strategies for delivering data presentations, particularly for introverts. From identifying and managing nervous habits to intentionally adjusting style while maintaining authenticity, they share quick tips and broad strategies to put into practice. Discover how to signal confidence, even before feeling it, and learn about real-time data collection techniques to continually refine your speaking skills. Tune in to learn actionable insights that apply whether you're presenting informally to colleagues or commanding attention in front of a crowd! Listening time 49:18 | related links: Follow Alli: | | | Original post & show notes: Book:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/30904003
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #75 The Data Storyteller’s Handbook with Kat Greenbrook
02/13/2024
storytelling with data podcast: #75 The Data Storyteller’s Handbook with Kat Greenbrook
Cole talks with New Zealand-based data storyteller, Kat Greenbrook, about her new book, The Data Storyteller’s Handbook: How to create business impact using data storytelling. Kat shares her empathy for anyone who has ever been told to “make your data tell a story” and isn’t sure where to start, and offers guidance for better understanding your audience and arranging insights into a narrative structure. Tune in to learn about frameworks that can help you plot time and character data stories, how to keep things honest, bridging knowledge gaps between you and your stakeholders, and more! Listening time 52:00 | related links: Follow Kat: | | Book:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/29941923
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #74 planning your presentation
01/23/2024
storytelling with data podcast: #74 planning your presentation
Cole shares low-tech planning strategies that will set you up for success in any important scenario in which you need to communicate. From crafting the Big Idea (plus a super useful worksheet to assist your efforts) to storyboarding to bringing it all into your tools, you’ll learn how a little time up front can streamline the rest of the creative process. Also tune in to hear Cole address questions on feedback, slides that don’t quite fit, filler words, and more. Listening time 49:01 | related links The Book Blog article Podcast episode 70 Attend a (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Premium sale through 1/31/24 in SWD community: University instructor Watch videos on the
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/29602013
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #73 stand up
12/11/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #73 stand up
Consider all of the things you do in the course of your daily work from a seated position: might you benefit from changing it up? In this episode, Cole discusses the power of standing up for different reasons and across a variety of situations. Tune in to understand how standing can boost creativity and keep updates and introductions from being overly lengthy. Learn what kinds of feedback and conversations are best had with your feet on the ground, as well as how standing up to present affords you—the presenter—with greater opportunities for better communication. Listening time 18:10 | related links Blog article Podcast episode 6 Book Join our (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Attend a (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Video Subscribe in SWD community: Mugs, coasters, books and posters in Watch the ; more videos on the
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/28943198
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #72 Alberto Cairo and the art of insight
11/27/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #72 Alberto Cairo and the art of insight
Alberto Cairo drops by to talk about his new book "The Art of Insight," which offers a unique take on data visualization. In conversation with data storyteller Mike, Cairo shares his Camus-inspired belief that life's meaning comes from community and work, and how that conviction shapes his own interests and endeavors. They discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, how seemingly frivolous pursuits can actually be essential, and where to find personal and professional connection amidst ever-changing online communities. Eschewing the mantle of “thought leader,” Cairo reveals why he is reluctant to wield the "soft power" he holds in the data visualization community. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of responsibility, the political nature of work, and the human aspects behind visualization. Listening time 48:59 | related links Attend a (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Book: by Alberto Cairo (in addition, don’t miss Cairo’s earlier books , , and ) Book: by Leland Wilkinson Follow: Aaron Williams on X/Twitter: Games: many tabletop and role-playing games were mentioned, including , , , , , , and Book: by Mike Monteiro Book: by Jen Christiansen Book: by Nigel Holmes
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/28759488
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #71 pre-reads are risky business
11/09/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #71 pre-reads are risky business
Sending slides before a meeting and asking your audience to do a pre-read has become the norm. Unfortunately, pre-reads never quite lead to the desired outcome of better questions and discussion, instead they create more challenges. Data storyteller Alex shares her thoughts on pre-reads and how she navigates requests to share content outside of a meeting. Tune in to also hear related questions on slide templates, speaker notes and more! Listening time 24:57 | related links: Article: Attend a (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Combo chart example: Combo chart example: SWD challenge:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/28572183
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #70 prepare to present
09/22/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #70 prepare to present
Cole walks listeners through her process of preparing for a recent presentation—from turning an idea into slides, to how she readied herself to present powerfully. Tune in to hear how a visual navigation scheme can help you stay on track as you present and create memorable takeaways for your audience, why building buffers into your presentation is key for staying on time, the major benefits of practicing aloud, and more. Plus learn how you can watch the presentation Cole describes preparing! (spoiler: visit ) related links: Join Cole’s upcoming virtual mini-workshop: Book: Audiobook: Podcast ep 45: Podcast ep 37: Resources for Attend a (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Join data storyteller office hours by going Learn via videos:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/28116683
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #69 feedback you hate to receive
07/28/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #69 feedback you hate to receive
Whether you’ve asked for it or not, sometimes critique from others simply gets under our skin. From feel-good platitudes that lack actionability to outright requests to manipulate data—Cole covers five categories of common graph and slide feedback that people hate to receive. Tune in to learn strategies and practical tips that will help you turn undesirable feedback into useful and insightful input for better graphs and presentations. related links: Book: SWD challenge: Attend a (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off) Resources for Learn via videos:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/27586695
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #68: tips for successful data stories
06/16/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #68: tips for successful data stories
What does Cole’s 7-year-old daughter have in common with the typical audience member for your data stories? Tune in to find out! In this short episode, Cole discusses a handful of specific things you can do to help set yourself—and others—up for successful data stories. Listening time 12:29 | related links: Resource: Related SWD community exercise: Podcast episode 49: Video series: Article: Video: More videos: Book: Book: (exercise 9.9)
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/27177012
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #67 storytelling withOUT data
05/24/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #67 storytelling withOUT data
Graphs and slides are often the first tools we reach for when we need to communicate with data—but when might storytelling withOUT data yield better results? Cole outlines numerous scenarios for alternative approaches, sharing examples from clients, workshops, and her books. From boardgames to baby pics, tune in to learn about humanizing data, when low fidelity solutions work best, the Picture Superiority Effect, and much more. related links: Book: Book: Register for debut (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off) Organize a Access resources for Learn via video on the
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/26942526
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #66 Designing in Light and Dark
05/15/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #66 Designing in Light and Dark
Mike and Alex discuss the advantages and drawbacks of designing visualizations with light and dark backgrounds, using examples from SWD community members to highlight where each approach can be preferable. Then, they dive into history and discuss the staying power of some famous graphs. What makes them memorable—and how we might be able to elevate them, using modern tools and perspectives? Listening time 27:06 | related links: Challenge: Viz: Viz: Tool: Tool: Viz: Challenge: Challenge: Join data storyteller office hours by going Learn via video on the
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/26849217
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #65 EMPHASIZE it!
04/27/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #65 EMPHASIZE it!
Cole draws on a recent experience that underscored the power of thoughtful EMPHASIS. Tune in for practical tactics to create contrast visually and verbally, whether for important numbers or words, focusing attention within your table or graph, or communicating clear emphasis through how you speak and move. Cole and colleague Simon also address related questions on tips for virtual presentations, eliminating filler words, preparing content for someone else to present, and more. Listening time 41:54 | related links: Register for (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off) Order Access resources for Join data storyteller office hours by going Learn via video on the
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/26672073
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #64 beginner mistakes in data viz
04/17/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #64 beginner mistakes in data viz
You'll probably make a few mistakes when learning to visualize and communicate data. That's okay! It's all a part of the learning journey and can be preferred since we often learn more from our mistakes than our successes. SWD storyteller Alex embraces her early missteps as she takes a trip down memory lane to share where she went wrong and what she learned. Listening time 18:11 plus intro/outro | related links: Podcast episode: Research article (Visual Thinking Lab): Steve Wexler’s article: Video: Workshops: (use special code PODCAST10)
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/26520675
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #63 bad news and good feedback
04/02/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #63 bad news and good feedback
SWD storytellers Elizabeth and Mike join forces to tackle some thorny questions about connecting with your audience: how do you know if you’ve done a good job, and what if you have to deliver bad news? In light of a recent “partner up!” challenge in the SWD community, they explore the benefits of working together with colleagues, friends, strangers, and even family members, while sharing some lessons learned from their own collaborative experiences. Listening time: 34:00 Related links: Website: Article: Workshops: (use special code PODCAST10) from Cole’s new book
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/26266386
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #62 tension in data stories
03/02/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #62 tension in data stories
Tension is a key component of story—and can be used in powerful ways to communicate in a business setting. In this episode, Cole talks tension: what it is, why you should care, and how to identify and use it in your data stories and beyond. Tune in also to hear common questions related to communicating with tension and their answers, plus related resources that will improve your next graph or presentation. Listening time 35:00 | related links: Article: Article: Article: Book: Book: Exercise: Resource: Video channel: Video series: Video: Video: Video: Video: Video: Video: Video: (open to ) Workshops: (use special code PODCAST10) University:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/26111301
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #61 AI, quantified self, and fingernails
02/10/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #61 AI, quantified self, and fingernails
SWD storytellers Simon and Mike offer their thoughts on how the recent advancements in AI tools may transform the way we analyze and communicate with data. They also discuss some of their favorite entries and interesting themes from the most recent SWD challenge on the quantified self. related links: Website: by Evelina Judeikyte by Iris van Bussel by Kirti Vardhan Rathore by Sibi Maran by Line Ton That by Rob Reid by George-Alexandru Gavrilovici by Sarah Stern by Bryan Boyle by Zen Faulkes by Shane Reynolds from Cole’s new book
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/25890924
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #60 scale with purpose with Brendan McGurgan
01/11/2023
storytelling with data podcast: #60 scale with purpose with Brendan McGurgan
Have a listen to this cross-cast of Cole’s conversation with Brendan McGurgan, host of the ScaleX Insider Podcast and author of Simple Scaling: Ten Proven Principles to 10x Your Business. They discuss scaling organizations and dive deep into the topics of audience, the big idea, storyboarding, using tension to engage your audience, plus tips for improving how you present through practice. related links: Follow Brendan: | | Book: Podcast: from Cole’s new book
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/25566648
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #59 questions in dataviz with Neil Richards
11/30/2022
storytelling with data podcast: #59 questions in dataviz with Neil Richards
Why don’t we use triangles in charts more often? Can design considerations come before we have the data? Do we take data visualization too seriously? Author, speaker, and data literacy advocate Neil Richards raises (and occasionally answers) these and other questions in his new book, Questions in Dataviz: a Data-Driven Process for Data Visualization. In this episode, Neil stops by the podcast to talk about the value of creativity, personal passion projects, experimentation in data visualization, and whether dataviz can change the world. related links: Follow Neil: | | Book: Podcast: Alli Torban’s Project: SWD challenge: Project: Project: Andy Kirk’s Viz: Viz: Project: Project: Get sample content & order storytelling with you: University instructor resources: SWD YouTube channel:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/25099818
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #58 don’t! (and what to do instead)
11/05/2022
storytelling with data podcast: #58 don’t! (and what to do instead)
Cole shares a number of data visualization and communication questions that could be answered simply with the word, “Don’t!” From breaking axes and presenting boxplots to unfamiliar audiences, to providing unsolicited feedback to a colleague, and more—you’ll learn why generally not to take these actions, plus hear ideas on what you might do instead. related links: Video: Video: Blog post: Blog post: Get sample content & order storytelling with you: Nov 17 virtual workshop: (use discount code: PODCAST10) University instructor resources: SWD YouTube channel:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/24912705
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #57 storytelling with YOU
10/16/2022
storytelling with data podcast: #57 storytelling with YOU
Cole sits down with husband, Randy Knaflic, for a fun chat about her new book, storytelling with you: plan, create, and deliver a stellar presentation. They discuss why building capability and confidence presenting is especially important for those in technical roles, overcoming challenges communicating to mixed audiences, navigating the writing process, and more. Tune in to learn what jazz improvisation has in common with presenting and gain appreciation for the art of the introduction—including specific steps you can take to craft the story of you. related links: in London or virtually from Cole’s new book
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/24702306
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #56 graph draft!
08/31/2022
storytelling with data podcast: #56 graph draft!
As anyone who has ever participated in a fantasy league can tell you, the most fun part of the whole experience is drafting your team. We took that idea to heart, and imagined, “What if, instead of drafting professional athletes, we did a fantasy draft of chart and graph types?” The data storytellers at SWD and premium members of our online community recently did just that, taking part in a (mostly!) friendly competition to build themselves the strongest possible roster of methods for visualizing information. What chart type was chosen first overall? Did anybody pick pie charts? And, who do YOU think wound up with the best team? Listen to find out! related links: Book: Preview and pre-order the new book, Workshop: for an upcoming SWD workshop Interactive: at pudding.cool Chart Guides and additional info: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/24230382
info_outline
storytelling with data podcast: #55 functional aesthetics with Dr. Vidya Setlur & Bridget Cogley
08/02/2022
storytelling with data podcast: #55 functional aesthetics with Dr. Vidya Setlur & Bridget Cogley
How can we use beauty to convey meaning, and form to guide function, in our communications? In this episode of the SWD podcast, Dr. Vidya Setlur and Bridget Cogley explore these questions with data storyteller Mike Cisneros. In their upcoming book Functional Aesthetics for Data Visualization, Vidya (the “academic”) and Bridget (the “practitioner”) explore the relationships among what we see, how we encode information, and what we mean. You’ll hear about the “bento box” model of organizing our information; how text, tone, register, and language affects our visualizations; how our relationship to food can inform what makes a communication effective; and how to go beyond “it depends” when considering the answers to challenging questions. related links: Follow Vidya: | | Follow Bridget: | | blog Book: Article: , including the “Birdstrike Redoux” visualization Article: The , an early mathematical tool Paper: “” by Marshall McLuhan Article: “” by Margaret Livingstone (regarding isoluminance in Monet) Book: by Barbara Tversky
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/23941569
info_outline
storytelling with data: #54 storytelling, folklore, and data with Joshua Smith
06/17/2022
storytelling with data: #54 storytelling, folklore, and data with Joshua Smith
Data storyteller Mike Cisneros sat down with Iron Viz champion, Tableau Visionary, and self-described “data jackalope” Joshua Smith to talk about how folklore—the study of how information is communicated, primarily through informal means—provides us a fascinating lens through which to examine how data visualization has evolved and continues to develop, both as a discipline and as a community of practitioners. You’ll learn how “best practices” emerge, transform and persist (or are discarded) over time, how informal communication and culture can have unexpected effects on how our work is received, the inextricable links between belief and “objective” data, and how a storyteller can position themselves to be most effective. Several folklorists were mentioned in the course of this discussion. defined folklore as “Artistic communication in small groups.” defined it as “Informally transmitted traditional culture.” identified many forms of folklore specified the four functions of folklore: it lets people escape from repressions imposed upon them by society e.g.: tall tales; it validates culture, justifying its rituals and institutions to those who perform and observe them; it is a pedagogic device which reinforces morals and values and builds wit; and it is a means of applying and exercising explored performance theory and audience evaluation explored the strength of personal narrative Book | by RJ Andrews Project | Article | Nancy Duarte - “” Article | Lilach Manheim & Mike Cisneros - “” Visualization | Robert Janezic - “”
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/23461481
info_outline
storytelling with data: #53 Shashank Kalanithi interviews Cole
05/18/2022
storytelling with data: #53 Shashank Kalanithi interviews Cole
Recently, Cole chatted with senior data analyst Shashank Kalanithi for his YouTube channel, where he helps people break into the world of analytics. Listen to this repost of their conversation—you’ll hear Cole reflect on a wide range of topics, from why technical experts should double down on communication skills, to the ideal tech stack, to advice for undergrads, graduate students, and those transitioning into a career in data. Tune in also to be among the first to hear details about Cole’s new book! Follow Shashank’s Watch Practice & exchange feedback: Article: Article: Article: Article: Podcast: Podcast:
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/23157347
info_outline
storytelling with data: #52 you asked...
04/26/2022
storytelling with data: #52 you asked...
Through our workshops, we get the rare opportunity to meet thousands of people every year, across a huge variety of industries, companies, and roles. We never know what kinds of questions we’re going to be asked. In this episode, SWD storyteller Mike Cisneros highlights a few recent notable questions, ranging from chart choices, to design, to presentation. The range of topics may be broad, but the commonality among everything discussed here is that they’re answers to questions you asked. Attend an upcoming workshop: (use promo code PODCAST10 for 10% off the registration fee) Hans Rosling: (BBC) Hans Rosling: (TED talk) Video: Blog: Blog: SWD community exercise: SWD community exercise: ------------------- Additional voice content: Jennifer Schumi Additional music: “Destiny” by https://www.ashutoshmusic.com/music Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/22921196
info_outline
storytelling with data: #51 the path to trusted advisor
04/01/2022
storytelling with data: #51 the path to trusted advisor
How can you position yourself—and your team—to be a valued analytics consultant by your stakeholders and clients? Cole talks with Simon Rowe, the newest data storyteller on the SWD team, about his experience and tips for building productive partnerships. Tune in to hear about the journey from reactive to proactive data analytics, including practical strategies you can employ to avoid missteps, build relationships, and have greater impact in your work. Related links: Follow Simon: |
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/22643882
info_outline
storytelling with data: #50 data viz research with Steven Franconeri
02/17/2022
storytelling with data: #50 data viz research with Steven Franconeri
“I want to be able to show it and say, doesn’t that feel good? And you know what? We actually know it works well, it’s not just your intuition.” In this episode, Cole talks with Northwestern University professor and director of the Visual Thinking Lab, Dr. Steven Franconeri. Hear about research that helps us understand and harness the limits of our visual system and how it can be translated into practical terms to help you design better graphs and dashboards. Cole and Steve discuss several recent studies, how to bridge the chasm between academia and practitioners, some of the unsolved problems of data visualization, and more. Related links: Follow Steve: | | The Journal: Paper: , Paper: Paper: Paper: Uncertainty: Book: (James Enns) Book: (Colin Ware) People mentioned: , , , , , ,
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/22174475
info_outline
storytelling with data: # 49: become a data viz superstar
01/05/2022
storytelling with data: # 49: become a data viz superstar
Establish yourself as a well-respected data visualization practitioner. Cole shares five points that will help you do it. Tune in to hear tips and tactics for setting good goals, learning, evaluating your work, influencing others, and getting the support you need to become—or help members of your team become—a data visualization and storytelling superstar, followed by Q&A.
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/21687572
info_outline
storytelling with data: # 48: the challenges of change
12/07/2021
storytelling with data: # 48: the challenges of change
Have you encountered challenges in your attempts to drive change with data visualization? In this episode, Cole talks with SWD’s newest data storyteller, Amy Esselman, about the difficulties that can arise when you try to impact people’s perceptions and behaviors. You’ll hear about Amy’s research on the status quo bias and her encounters with it in real life.
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/21411650
info_outline
storytelling with data: #47 the art of the interview
11/17/2021
storytelling with data: #47 the art of the interview
Fresh off a successful search to expand the SWD team, Cole chats with SWD advisor, husband Randy Knaflic, about a critical part of the hiring process: interviewing. Randy shares tips learned and stories lived over a career of hiring talent, from Google to SpaceX to storytelling with data. From showing compassion for a nerve-racked candidate to strategies for thoughtfully crafting and effectively addressing interview questions—whether interviewer or candidate—there’s something for everyone in this epis
/episode/index/show/storytellingwithdata/id/21198254