Become a Great Data Storyteller: Learn How You Can Drive Change with Data

Become a Great Data Storyteller by Angelica Lo Duca, published by Wiley, redefines data communication by transforming raw data into compelling narratives. This 272-page book provides professionals with the tools to create impactful data stories that drive change. Available in E-Book (£23.99) and Print (£30.99) formats.

Angelica Lo Duca’s book, “Become a Great Data Storyteller: Learn How You Can Drive Change with Data,” is an essential guide for professionals who want to go beyond charts and graphs to create data narratives that influence decision-making. The book introduces a structured storytelling framework, helping readers craft engaging presentations that captivate audiences and inspire action.

Lo Duca, a researcher and data specialist at the National Research Council in Italy, integrates her expertise in data science, journalism, and engineering to provide a practical and insightful approach to data storytelling. She demonstrates how to define heroes, antagonists, and compelling conflicts within data, making numbers meaningful to any audience.

The Core of Data Storytelling

The book challenges conventional data visualisation methods, focusing on storytelling techniques that make complex insights memorable, relatable, and actionable. Lo Duca introduces storytelling structures borrowed from cinema and literature, guiding professionals to build engaging, structured narratives that evoke emotion and clarity.

She explores the psychology of audience engagement, helping data professionals tailor their presentations based on the needs and expectations of their listeners. Whether presenting in a corporate boardroom or a global conference, the book provides practical insights into delivering compelling and persuasive data-driven stories.

Key themes and insights

• Beyond Visualisation – Transform numbers into stories that drive decision-making and influence change.
• Understanding the Data Hero – Identify the central figures in your data story and use them to humanise complex information.
• Structuring the Narrative – Learn how to define the problem, antagonist, and resolution within your data to make it engaging.
• Tailoring Data Stories for Different Audiences – Understand how to present data in a way that resonates with stakeholders, executives, and the general public.
• Practical Case Studies – Real-world applications of data storytelling, including how leading organisations use narratives to shape strategies and decisions.

Become a great data storyteller: A breakdown

Lo Duca structures her book into twelve insightful chapters, beginning with an exploration of why data storytelling is crucial in today’s information-driven world. She defines the role of a data storyteller, detailing the skills and mindset required to create compelling stories.

She then delves into the structure of a data narrative, from introducing a relatable hero to defining antagonists and problems that data can solve. She presents a storytelling framework inspired by film and literature, offering step-by-step guidance on structuring a three-act data story.

Later chapters cover how to engage audiences, understand their thought processes, and adapt narratives to different contexts. The book also explores retelling and repurposing data stories to maximize their impact.

About Angelica Lo Duca

Angelica Lo Duca is a researcher at the Institute of Informatics and Telematics at the National Research Council in Italy and an adjunct professor of Data Journalism at the University of Pisa. She is a well-regarded speaker at international conferences, specialising in data science, storytelling, data journalism, and web applications.

Her work focuses on bridging the gap between raw data and audience engagement, equipping professionals with the skills to tell powerful, data-driven stories that inspire action.

Become a Great Data Storyteller is a must-read for professionals in data science, business intelligence, journalism, marketing, and leadership. The book provides a roadmap for turning complex insights into compelling stories, ensuring that data does not just inform—but transforms.