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Seven types of stories with data

We believe in the power of stories to transform data into transformative actions.

This article presents best practices for creating impactful narratives based on facts and data, taking advantage of the best of available tools and techniques.

What is the purpose of your analysis?

Before starting to build your narrative, it's essential to define your purpose and the path you want your audience to take.

Ask yourself:

  • What action do you want to inspire?
  • Is it a simple and direct narrative?
  • Or complex and contradictory, as a case for discussion?

The order of the factors alters the understanding:

  1. Present the data that lead to a conclusion at the end, ideal for engaging the audience.
  2. Start with the conclusion and show the data that supports it, efficient for busy audiences.

A practical tip is to sketch your story on paper or white board before using digital tools.

This helps you quickly identify problems in sequence or logic.

A story can combine more than one type, creating an engaging and dynamic narrative arc

Tipo de História Descrição Discussões que ela gera
O mundo mudou Antes e depois Por que isso aconteceu? O que podemos fazer para repetir ou evitar?
Visão macro Define o contexto amplo para entender melhor um ponto Por que essa unidade ou lugar é diferente? Como se compara aos outros?
Da parte para o todo Mostra como um lugar se relaciona com o ambiente expandido Como algo é impactado pelo todo? Que efeito isso tem em outras áreas?
Contraste Compara dois ou mais lugares Por que são diferentes? Como replicar o desempenho de A em B?
Correlações Destaca forças importantes quando um lugar se destaca O que causa essas mudanças? Elas são boas ou ruins?
Fatorial Explica algo dividindo em blocos menores Qual local merece mais foco? Quanto cada atributo impacta o resultado?
Fora da curva Mostra anomalias ou diferenças significativas Por que esse aspecto é tão diferente?

Practice and adjust

As with any creative process, testing and reviewing your story is a crucial part of achieving clarity and efficiency:

  • Check that each sequence makes sense on its own and within the set.
  • Ask for feedback from colleagues in the Mapfry community

Keep it simple

An effective narrative prioritizes clarity and avoids excess elements.

Get straight to the point:

  • Avoid including too many slides or long descriptive ones
  • Make sure each narrative point is clear and relevant
  • Don't embellish the narrative too much, be objective

Practical tips:

  1. Personalize the narrative: Use specific data to create a connection with the target audience.
  2. Contextualize with the market: Show how your data reflects local or global trends.
  3. Humanize insights: Relate the data to real customer or partner stories.

It's going to be good

We believe that well-structured stories, based on facts and data, have the power to influence decisions, engage teams, and drive results.

Keep exploring, testing, and refining your narratives, because the best way to captivate an audience is through clear, relevant, and truly impactful arguments!

Start counting yours today with Mapfry!

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