UMD: Storytelling and Persuading using Data and Digital Technologies

UMD: Storytelling and Persuading using Data and Digital Technologies

by The University of Maryland, College Park

Data Storytelling Course

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of data storytelling with this comprehensive course that bridges the gap between raw data and impactful decision-making. In today's data-driven landscape, the ability to transform complex information into compelling narratives is a crucial skill. This course equips you with the tools and techniques to master the art of data storytelling, enabling you to influence decision-makers and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Throughout this four-week program, you'll dive deep into the ABT (And, But, Then) Narrative Framework, learning how to craft engaging stories from data findings. You'll explore powerful data science techniques, create insightful visualizations, and develop persuasive presentations tailored for business professionals. The course culminates with a focus on customer training, teaching you how to leverage data storytelling to enhance product engagement and drive digital transformation success.

What You'll Learn

  • Master the ABT Narrative Framework for effective data storytelling
  • Develop strategic approaches to presenting data to decision-makers
  • Create compelling data visualizations and presentations
  • Enhance persuasion skills using data-driven narratives
  • Design and implement effective customer training programs
  • Apply data storytelling techniques to boost product engagement
  • Utilize data analytics and machine learning for customer education
  • Craft presentations for both in-person and online environments

Prerequisites

This course is designed as an introductory-level program, and there are no specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of data analysis concepts and familiarity with business presentations would be beneficial.

Course Content

  • Fundamentals of storytelling applied to data analysis
  • ABT (And, But, Then) Narrative Framework
  • Data exploration and refinement techniques
  • Creating compelling data visualizations
  • Designing brain-friendly presentations
  • Persuasive communication strategies
  • Customer training program development
  • Leveraging data analytics for customer engagement
  • Online and in-person presentation skills

Who This Course Is For

  • Data analysts looking to enhance their storytelling abilities
  • Business professionals seeking to improve their data presentation skills
  • Marketing and sales teams aiming to create more persuasive pitches
  • Customer success managers wanting to develop effective training programs
  • Digital transformation leaders looking to drive product adoption
  • Anyone interested in bridging the gap between data analysis and impactful communication

Real-World Applications

  • Presenting data-driven insights to executives and stakeholders
  • Creating compelling business cases for new initiatives or investments
  • Designing effective marketing campaigns based on data analysis
  • Improving customer onboarding and engagement through targeted training
  • Enhancing product adoption rates using data-driven storytelling
  • Facilitating better decision-making processes within organizations
  • Communicating complex data findings to non-technical audiences

Syllabus

Week One - Storytelling with Data
  • Module One - The Basics of Storytelling
  • Module Two - Compelling Storytelling with the ABT Framework
  • Module Three - Selecting the Right Data
  • Module Four - Creating a Story from Data
  • Module Five - Thinking in Data Stories
Week Two - Building Good Data Presentations
  • Module One - The Rules of Good Presentations
  • Module Two - Brain-Friendly Presentation Design
  • Module Three - Creating Good Data Visualizations
  • Module Four - Beyond Bullet-Points Presentation Planning and Delivery
  • Module Five - Compelling Online Presentations
Week Three - Persuading with Data
  • Module One - What Persuades People?
  • Module Two - Presence, Logic, and Emotions in Persuasion
  • Module Three - The Perfect Pitch Tool for Persuasion
  • Module Four - Recovering from a Bad Proposal
  • Module Five - Helping the Decision Maker Persuade Themselves
Week Four - Customer Training
  • Module One - Why Organizations Need to Train Their Customers
  • Module Two - Creating the Customer Training Program
  • Module Three - Training Customers with Data Analytics Products
  • Module Four - Engaging Customers with Data Analysis
  • Module Five - Training Customers with Data Stories
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