Home » Blogs » How To Get Started With Data Storytelling?

How To Get Started With Data Storytelling?

By Vertical InstituteUpdated on: December 9, 20245 minutes read

Data storytelling has been rapidly gaining relevance in the last few years. And while it looks simple, relaying a message through a dataset isn’t an easy task. But with data storytelling, an audience is able to grasp a message easily and fully, allowing critical information to be delivered.

Read on to find out more about data storytelling and how you can get started.

What is Data Storytelling?

To put it simply, data storytelling is all about translating datasets into digestible messages for your audience. This is done through visualisations and narratives, using tools such as Infogram, Tableau, and RAWGraphs. However, data storytelling is much more than just making visualisations and infographics. 

As Forbes puts it in their article titled: ‘Data Storytelling: The Essential Data Science Skill Everyone Needs’, it’s about combining data, visuals and narrative to explain insights found through datasets. These insights are then told through visually appealing insights. With both insights and visuals combined, the data storyteller’s audience will be engaged – which can then help to make decisions and create change. 

Examples of Data Storytelling- Subheading 

A local example of a company using data storytelling would be The Straits Times, who uses data stories frequently to deliver impactful news stories. 

For instance, in their online article titled: “Tiger Mum’s guide to getting your 6-year-old into the ‘right’ school”, they make use of various visualisations, icons and charts to explain how competitive school slots are, and how fast schools get filled up. With this data story, parents are able to understand how competitive the slots are for schools, and what factors come into play when choosing schools for their children. 

“Can You Live on the Minimum Wage”’, an article done by The New York Times, is also an example of a good data story. With this story, readers are able to make choices on how much they would spend a month on basic necessities like housing, utilities, healthcare, and transportation alongside a visualisation that shows them how much money they would have left over for the year. Through the interactivity and easy-to-understand visualisations, readers are easily able to understand that it is not possible to live on minimum wage. 

Tools You Need For Data Storytelling

To get started on data storytelling, be sure to familiarise with the following tools (not exhaustive):

Tableau 

With Tableau, you’ll be able to add datasets and create a variety of charts and tables, which can then be used in your data story.

Shorthand

Shorthand is a digital storytelling platform that allows you to create interactive data stories – with no coding required. 

Microsoft Excel 

Before you get started on designing and creating your story, organise and sift out your data with Microsoft Excel – a tool that will come in handy for multiple data-related skills. 

Data Storytelling vs Data Visualisation 

It may be hard to differentiate the two as they both sound and are defined in similar ways. And while these two skills are interlinked, they are also different in multiple ways. For starters, let’s define data visualisation. Data visualisation is about creating a visual from data or pieces of information. This visual could be represented in a chart or a map, in order to make it easier for the audience to identify trends and anomalies. 

The best way to think of it is that data visualisation is a subset of data storytelling. With data storytelling, the visualisation expands and an overall picture is painted. The storytelling portion helps to enhance the visualisation and provide value to an audience, helping them make decisions with their newfound larger, holistic view of the intended message. 

Tips For Getting Started on Data Storytelling 

To get started on data storytelling, be sure to familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned above. You could also choose to take up a course on data storytelling in order to certify your expertise. On top of getting certified, you should also aim to connect with those in the data storytelling industry, in order to further learn from them and also possibly receive feedback on your work. 

What To Look Out For In A Data Storytelling Course or Workshop

If you’re looking to learn data storytelling, here are some questions you should have in mind for when you’re researching for a course or workshop to take: 

  1. Is there a certification at the end of the course/workshop to certify my experience? 
  2. Are there other reputable courses taught by the course owners? 
  3. Are there subsidies available to help with course fees? 
  4. Is the course being taught by industry experts?
  5. Is the course outline listed on the website? 

These questions will help to guide you in choosing a course that will provide you a comprehensive learning on data storytelling. For more information on data storytelling and Tableau, check out our blog post: “Why Learn Data Storytelling Using Tableau?

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute prepares individuals for the jobs of tomorrow. We specialise in teaching in-demand skills, building the next generation of changemakers and inventors through our world-class tech courses and certifications. 

Singaporeans and PRs can receive up to 70% IBF Funding off their course fees with Vertical Institute. The remaining fees can be claimable with SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.

Vertical Institute empowers working professionals to excel in a rapidly evolving job market. We provide practical, industry-relevant training in high-demand fields like AI, Data Analytics, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, UX Design, and more. Our practical, job-ready training have helped over 30,000 professionals with the skills, certifications, and confidence to navigate career transitions and adapt to change, particularly as AI redefines essential skills. Designed for real-world impact, our training ensures you stay competitive and future-proof your career. With a focus on real outcomes, we help you thrive in today’s fast-changing economy.

Q
FREE RESOURCES

Discover our Free Resources

Explore free resources, calculators, and templates from Vertical Institute. Enhance your tech skills and support your professional growth with our high-quality resources.

You May Also Like

Data Analyst Jobs - Vertical Institute

Why Data Analyst Jobs Are in High Demand in Singapore

Data analyst jobs continue to rank among the most in-demand roles across Singapore’s professional landscape. In fact, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recently listed data-centric positions among occupations facing a significant talent shortage by 2025. It highlights the growing importance of data skills in an increasingly digital economy. Despite global hiring slowdowns and tech layoffs, […]

25 April 2025 • Reading Time: 6 minutes
ROI of AI - Vertical Institute

The ROI of AI Upskilling: How to Measure the Impact of Employee Training

As AI adoption scales across industries, the pressure is on HR and leadership to turn capability gaps into strategic advantages. But, like any investment, the challenge lies in proving its worth. Measuring the ROI of AI isn’t just about tracking training completions—it’s about understanding how upskilling can: 💡 Transforms day-to-day operations 📊 Enables faster, more […]

25 April 2025 • Reading Time: 6 minutes
AI and the Future of Jobs - Vertical Institute

AI and the Future of Jobs: 8 Common Myths and Why Upskilling Is Key

From boardrooms to breakrooms, conversations about AI are heating up. While some leaders panic about job losses, others are investing in tools and training to help their teams adapt. Will AI take over, or will it open doors to new opportunities? The reality is far more nuanced. Many job roles are shifting, not necessarily vanishing, […]

17 April 2025 • Reading Time: 7 minutes