Narrative intuition
Narrative intuition
The storytelling elements you need for your data communications
For your audience to take action, you need just the right amount of narrative.
In a world where data storytelling has become a trendy term, we often think all stories need to feel like the ones we see in Hollywood movies. You know, full of characters, emotion, and a dozen plot twists.
But that’s not always the case.
What we need in most instances is a modest dose of narrative—an effective structure built on an engaging conflict and solid takeaways—for the message to get across. Randy Olson calls this narrative intuition in his book Houston, we have a narrative. But what does that look like in practice? I’m so glad you asked.
Here’s a sneak peek into the five-point narrative structure I teach in my workshops. We borrow just enough storyline elements from screenwriting and apply them to data communication.
So if you’re scared to do data storytelling because you’re not Aaron Sorkin or Christopher Nolan, let this post be your permission to take the pressure off. You don’t need a Hollywood-level narrative to engage your audience. You just need to be efficient with it.
Here’s an example of story beats in action. And if you’d like to learn more, keep reading for the details of my next training.
In any case, I’ll see you next week.
—Evelina
Want to learn more about data storytelling? I’ve got you.
Join my three-week online data storytelling bootcamp starting in early June. A few spots remain for this updated and improved live session. Oh, and not to brag, but the bootcamp does have a 4.8/5 ⭐️ rating.
Use the code THEPLOT10 for your exclusive 10% discount!