Use when turning analytics into a narrative for executives, QBRs, investor decks or data reports: story arc, context and chart choices that drive a decision.
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---
name: data-storytelling
description: "Use when turning analytics into a narrative for executives, QBRs, investor decks or data reports: story arc, context and chart choices that drive a decision."
tags: ["data","writing","visualization","communication"]
tools: []
license: MIT
source: https://github.com/wshobson/agents
source_path: "plugins/business-analytics/skills/data-storytelling"
source_commit: 4236bb91f8395b0435f1d8b8baf9e8e4c69a8620
---
# Data Storytelling
Transform raw data into compelling narratives that drive decisions and inspire action.
## When to Use This Skill
- Presenting analytics to executives
- Creating quarterly business reviews
- Building investor presentations
- Writing data-driven reports
- Communicating insights to non-technical audiences
- Making recommendations based on data
## Core Concepts
### 1. Story Structure
```
Setup → Conflict → Resolution
Setup: Context and baseline
Conflict: The problem or opportunity
Resolution: Insights and recommendations
```
### 2. Narrative Arc
```
1. Hook: Grab attention with surprising insight
2. Context: Establish the baseline
3. Rising Action: Build through data points
4. Climax: The key insight
5. Resolution: Recommendations
6. Call to Action: Next steps
```
### 3. Three Pillars
| Pillar | Purpose | Components |
| ------------- | -------- | -------------------------------- |
| **Data** | Evidence | Numbers, trends, comparisons |
| **Narrative** | Meaning | Context, causation, implications |
| **Visuals** | Clarity | Charts, diagrams, highlights |
## Detailed patterns and worked examples
Detailed pattern documentation lives in `references/details.md`. Read that file when the navigation tier above is insufficient.
## Best Practices
### Do's
- **Start with the "so what"** - Lead with insight
- **Use the rule of three** - Three points, three comparisons
- **Show, don't tell** - Let data speak
- **Make it personal** - Connect to audience goals
- **End with action** - Clear next steps
### Don'ts
- **Don't data dump** - Curate ruthlessly
- **Don't bury the insight** - Front-load key findings
- **Don't use jargon** - Match audience vocabulary
- **Don't show methodology first** - Context, then method
- **Don't forget the narrative** - Numbers need meaning
