MIT Sloan School of Management
Communicating Data Through Storytelling
Utilise data-driven storytelling and visualisation techniques to convincingly inspire, motivate, and influence both stakeholders and audiences.
Start date
13 November 2024
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The reported share of industry-leading firms that are driving innovation with data.
NewVantage Partners (2021).
Chief data officers who successfully executed data-sharing initiatives are 1.7 times as effective as their peers at showing business value from their analytics strategy.
MIT Sloan (Sep, 2021).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The effective utilization of data has become an indispensable aspect of the success of modern organizations. This encompasses optimizing operations through operational data, identifying new customers through consumer data, and comprehending the current business environment through competitor data. However, merely having access to data is not enough, and neither is relying solely on a team of analysts to sift through vast amounts of raw information to unearth valuable insights. Instead, organizations require professionals who can communicate and disseminate data-driven insights in a way that enables proper decision-making guidance.
The MIT Sloan Communicating Data Through Storytelling online short course offers an effective solution for constructing stories from data that motivate, persuade, and inspire action. Participants will learn how to create logically sound presentations that cater to different audiences and adopt best practices for presenting data with clarity rather than complexity. In this program, you will also explore the TOP-T (topic, orientation, point, transition) framework, a model developed by MIT Sloan faculty to simplify the comprehension of complex data.
Is this course for you?
The program suits professionals who frequently present data insights, regardless of technical proficiency. Analysts, analytics managers, and decision-makers can improve communication skills, particularly when presenting specialist information to non-technical audiences. Managers and functional roles can learn to create clear data stories for stakeholders. Consultants and entrepreneurs can gain practical techniques for persuading clients.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The effective utilization of data has become an indispensable aspect of the success of modern organizations. This encompasses optimizing operations through operational data, identifying new customers through consumer data, and comprehending the current business environment through competitor data. However, merely having access to data is not enough, and neither is relying solely on a team of analysts to sift through vast amounts of raw information to unearth valuable insights. Instead, organizations require professionals who can communicate and disseminate data-driven insights in a way that enables proper decision-making guidance.
The MIT Sloan Communicating Data Through Storytelling online short course offers an effective solution for constructing stories from data that motivate, persuade, and inspire action. Participants will learn how to create logically sound presentations that cater to different audiences and adopt best practices for presenting data with clarity rather than complexity. In this program, you will also explore the TOP-T (topic, orientation, point, transition) framework, a model developed by MIT Sloan faculty to simplify the comprehension of complex data.
Is this course for you?
The program suits professionals who frequently present data insights, regardless of technical proficiency. Analysts, analytics managers, and decision-makers can improve communication skills, particularly when presenting specialist information to non-technical audiences. Managers and functional roles can learn to create clear data stories for stakeholders. Consultants and entrepreneurs can gain practical techniques for persuading clients.
What will set you apart
The ability to construct persuasive, logically sound, data-driven presentations tailored to different audiences.
Insight into how to design graphs for clearer communication and best practices for presenting data with clarity, rather than complexity.
The knowledge to make complex data more understandable using the TOP-T (topic, orientation, point, transition) framework, developed by MIT Sloan faculty.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to perception and visuals
Module 2
Visualizing data with graphs
Module 3
Effective presentation design
Module 4
Communicating clearly and with reason
Module 5
Building a persuasive argument
Module 6
Presenting for maximum impact
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Faculty Director
Miro Kazakoff
Senior Lecturer, Managerial Communication, MIT Sloan School of Management
About the certificate
Acquire proficiency in effectively conveying data insights and earn an official digital certificate of completion from MIT Sloan.
This program also counts toward an MIT Sloan Executive Certificate, which you can earn upon completion of four programs where at least three of the four come from your chosen certificate track and at least one is completed in person. Find full details here.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
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GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
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As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
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Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
