Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals

chapter 10 final thoughts

Data visualization—and communicating with data in general—sits at the intersection of science and art. There is certainly some science to it: best practices and guidelines to follow, as we’ve discussed throughout this book. But there is also an artistic component. This is one of the reasons this area is so much fun. It is inherently diverse. Different people will approach things in varying ways and come up with distinct solutions to the same data visualization challenge. As we’ve discussed, there is no single “right” answer. Rather, there are often multiple potential paths for communicating effectively with data. Apply the lessons we’ve covered in this book to forge your path, with the goal of using your artistic license to make the information easier for your audience to understand.

You have learned a great deal over the course of this book that sets you up for success when it comes to communicating effectively with data. In this final chapter, we’ll discuss some tips on where to go from here and strategies for upskilling storytelling with data competency in your team and organization. Finally, we will end with a recap of the main lessons we’ve covered and send you off eager and ready to tell stories with data.

Where to go from here

Reading about effective storytelling with data is one thing. But how do you translate what we’ve learned to practical application? The simple way to get good at this is to do it: practice, practice, and practice some ...