Storytelling with Data (SWD) Skill

Apply the 6-lesson SWD framework from Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic for visual and design decisions, combined with narrative storytelling frameworks (Dykes, Duarte, Miller, Dicks, Cron, Heath) for structuring compelling stories that drive action.

Format-agnostic by design: This skill covers what to communicate and how to design it. Pair it with format-specific skills that handle output mechanics (e.g. pptx skill for slide decks, a web framework for dashboards).

The SWD 6-Lesson Framework

Every data communication task should be evaluated against these 6 lessons, applied in order:

Lesson 1: Understand the Context

Before touching any tool, answer three questions:

1. WHO is your audience? What do they care about? What's their relationship to you? What will motivate them?
2. WHAT do you need them to know or do? Define the single action or takeaway.
3. HOW will you communicate? Live presentation? Email? Dashboard? This changes everything about design.