Success for many organizations today relies heavily on data and the insights that can be extracted from it. With the high volume of operational, customer, and environmental data available, a professional’s detailed analysis is needed to inform business decisions, measure success, and drive business objectives. But insights require action to have an impact. In order to do so, data must be visualized and communicated with clarity. It must be placed in the context necessary to persuade, motivate, and inspire action. It must tell a story.
In Communicating Data Through Storytelling, you’ll learn how to make complex data more understandable, and the importance of presenting with clarity, rather than complexity. Gain insights into how best to design graphs and construct compelling, logically sound, data-driven presentations for varied audiences. Using the TOP-T (topic, orientation, point, transition) framework developed by elite MIT faculty, you’ll engage with the science of communicating to others for understanding, and to inspire action.
Welcome to your program
Introduction to Perception and Visuals
Visualizing Data with Graphs
Effective Presentation Design
Communicating Clearly and with Reason
Building a Persuasive Argument
Presenting for Maximum Impact
Today’s data-driven business environment makes this course applicable to any professional interested in having an impact on their organization’s decision-making process. It will provide particular benefit to analysts and analytics managers who want to enhance their ability to communicate insights, particularly when presenting specialist information to general audiences. Managers, decision makers, and those in other functional roles will also gain from this program, as it teaches the skills needed to tell a clear story with data and communicate this to key stakeholders in the organization. Entrepreneurs and consultants will learn practical techniques for persuading and influencing clients.
This course is delivered in our Self-Paced Online format which enables you to participate at your own pace within weekly modules. This course runs over 6 weeks with an estimated 6-8 hours per week of study time
Earn a certificate of course completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management
You will learn through a variety of formats including interactive videos, practice quizzes, presentations, assignments, and discussion forums
You will have access to a Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have
"Great course!"
Tala B
"This training was very helpful in many ways. A large toolbox was provided to improve my communication, and in particular the storyline and the persuasive arguments convincing my audience. It was very insightful to review slide set-up."
Hester B
"This course was very insightful and helpful. Provided understanding on why, what and to who when presenting in a simple and straightforward manner."
Eugenia Gina K
"I enjoyed every part of this program. The course provides you with valuable insights on how to better communicate data. I started using the tools since day one. It's a fantastic class and I totally recommend it."
Israel S
"Overall, it was a great course. I learned it's important to consider how I reduce adience's cognitive load when I deliver presentation. Before taking this course, I don't have such kind of perspectives. In addition, exchanging ideas of a graph or Minto pyramid with classmates in the discussion forum was great experience for me. Moreover, assesssor's feedback for assignment encouraged me to keep my motivation. I'll recommend my colleagues to take this course."
Yoshiki I
"Fantastic course, great practical tools to elevate how you present data."
Alandre v
"I recently took the Communicating Data Through Storytelling course offered by MIT and it was an amazing experience. I learned so much about how to effectively communicate data through storytelling and I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in improving their data communication skills. The course was well-organised and the material was presented in a clear and concise manner. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with my experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken this course."
Felipe B
"Amazing Course and professional mentor"
Tariq B
"I can not say enough good things about this course. It was an excellent experience and very well crafted. It has improved my ability to communicate data and other initiatives within my organization and helped me stand out from my colleagues."
Katherine B
"This was a great training program that added value to my professional career."
Henrik Trangeled K
Same topic, Similar duration - Broader exploration across all institutes
Speak with an Advisor
Prashansa Uttam
Programme Advisor
Executive Education Office
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