Python, Communication
Even Pythonists Can Become Skilled at Communicating
What a Python developer should need to become a great data storyteller (including using AI)
There are many resources, courses, and books on data communication out there. Almost everywhere, it is said that you need to know how to communicate the results of your analyses well; otherwise, famous decision-makers do not understand what those data mean and can’t make those blessed decisions that lead their companies to success. The problem is precisely that: knowing how to communicate.
Everyone says that if you are a good programmer but don’t know how to communicate what you have extracted from the data, you can go back home. No one will understand your analysis and your code anyway. You may also be the best data scientist, having implemented Machine Learning models capable of predicting the future of all humanity, but if you don’t know how to tell your boss, that future will remain in your computer, or rather, in the cloud, and no one will know in advance.
Today I am addressing you, a Python developer who knows nothing about communication, much less cares. Yet your boss asks you to explain what you have extracted from your data. And you’re there turning over your code trying to figure out what to show your boss and how to make them make sense of it.
Often, to make the leap from analysis to communication, you have to switch from Python to another program, and it takes longer there. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to do everything in Python? You would write the code for analysis in Python and then continue writing the code in Python to communicate your results to your famous boss.
Well, this is not a dream. You can do everything in Python using a fantastic library called Altair. Altair is more than just a library for visualizing data. It’s much more: it allows you to analyze your data on the fly, create filters, sort data, and so on. And this can be the basis for communicating your results.
Then imagine if someone else wrote the texts to communicate that you can’t write because you can’t merge two sensible words to describe what you extracted from the data. Well, that someone exists, and it is Artificial Intelligence. You can use it to refine the texts that are used for communication.
Today, this dream is a reality. Finally, Python, communication, and Artificial Intelligence are combined in my latest book. The idea of the book is precisely this: to help all Pythonists develop the skills to effectively communicate the results of their analyses.
In the book, you will find theory and practice. A simple theory based on the DIKW (Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom) pyramid will help you move from data to communication, while using Altair will teach you how to put it into practice. All with the help of Artificial Intelligence, which doesn’t hurt!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s look at a simple example right away.
Using the DIKW Pyramid
Imagine that you’ve just finished your data analysis in Python, and now your boss wants the results in one hour… but you have only this raw chart…What can you do?
You can apply the DIKW pyramid. DIKW stands for Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom. It’s a fast way to transform your raw data chart
into a story!
Start by turning data into information by focusing on a single insight, such as the Product 1 flop since Q3.
Next, add context to turn information into knowledge. Context includes all the relevant background your audience needs to understand your data.
Finally, turn knowledge into wisdom by adding next steps. Next steps suggest what your audience should do after looking at your chart.
Do you want to know more? Want to see DIKW in practice in Altair? Watch the following video tutorial or read this article.
At this point, another question arises. How can I use AI to make the process easier for me? I’ll try to answer.
Using AI in Data Storytelling
There are several ways to integrate AI into data storytelling. Here I list three.
You can use GitHub Copilot or other AI tools to help speed up chart creation. It’s fantastic, don’t you think?
If you really don’t know how to speak to a specific audience, you can write the basic text in your own words and then use tools like ChatGPT to adapt it to that audience or objective.
If you really want to amaze, you can use AI as a source of knowledge, like an oracle that can suggest how to communicate your data to different cultures.
Want to know more about how to combine data storytelling and AI? Watch the following video or read this article:
If you are still reading, you may be interested in the topic. You might also be interested in my latest book, Data Storytelling with Altair and AI. Let’s look at the index together.
Data Storytelling with Altair and AI
The book is divided into the following three parts:
PART 1 INTRODUCING ALTAIR AND GENERATIVE AI
TO DATA STORYTELLING
- Introducing data storytelling
- Running your first data story in Altair and GitHub Copilot
- Reviewing the basic concepts of Altair 49 Generative AI tools for data storytelling
PART 2 USING THE DIKW PYRAMID FOR DATA STORYTELLING
- Crafting a data story using the DIKW pyramid
- From data to information: Extracting insights
- From information to knowledge: Building textual context
- From information to knowledge: Building the visual context
- From knowledge to wisdom: Adding next steps
PART 3 DELIVERING THE DATA STORY
- Common issues while using generative AI
- Publishing the data story
Still interested in the book, but not convinced? Try watching this presentation video:
If you’ve made it this far, perhaps you’re convinced you could become a good storyteller. So, what are you waiting for to embark on this exciting journey?
At this link, you can find the entire GitHub repository of the book for free:
While here you can find more information about the book:
Thanks, and see you soon! Even Pythonists Can Become Skilled at Communicating and, more specifically, at data storytelling!
