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.

When to Use This Skill

• Creating: Building new visualisations, dashboards, infographics, presentations, pitch decks, or data-driven pages
• Reviewing: Critiquing existing data communications for clarity and impact
• Improving: Performing "makeovers" on charts, dashboards, or layouts to make them more effective
• Advising: Helping choose the right chart type, structure a narrative, declutter, craft a hook, or position a message
• Storytelling: Structuring any narrative: data stories, pitches, brand positioning, conference talks, stakeholder briefings

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: