Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

What I Learned about Data Storytelling in 20 Minutes — and Why You Need It, Too

Data stories aren’t just for the analysts. They’re for anyone who wants to be heard.

This morning, I had an extra hour to kill at work. Don’t judge me— I’m just really efficient at my job, ok? Instead of doom scrolling or zoning out on social media, I watched a quick video (ok, a couple of videos) on how to tell better stories with data.

I figured I would see a few tutorials on making prettier layouts, selecting better colors, or learning about a fancy new style of chart. What I didn’t expect was to walk away thinking, “Everyone should know this.”

Whether you’re building a business, growing a side project, or just trying to get buy-in on your next great idea, how you tell the story behind your data can make or break you. Collaborators, investors, and customers don’t want spreadsheets — they want actionable insights. These skills aren’t just for corporate presentations, they’re for your next pitch, proposal, or brief.

Here are the biggest takeaways I can’t stop thinking about:

📊 Design is more than color and layout — it’s what you choose to show