Data-Driven Storytelling with Power BI
Duration: 1 Day
Format: Onsite or Remote
Level: Intermediate
Delivery by: Gethyn Ellis or one of our super start team
Overview
In a world flooded with dashboards, the story behind the data leads to real business decisions. This one-day workshop helps your team master the art of turning Power BI reports into powerful, decision-driving narratives.
Built around a proven storytelling arc, this session positions the report consumer as the hero on a journey from data confusion to insight and action with the data analyst as their trusted guide.
Workshop Objectives
- Apply storytelling principles to Power BI report design
- Structure reports with a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Choose visuals that communicate effectively
- Understand your audience and their business problems
- Create reports that lead to better decisions
The Storytelling Framework
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Hero | The report consumers with a business challenge |
| Problem | The need for insight and data-driven clarity |
| Guide | The data analyst attending the workshop |
| Plan | The right data, model, and visuals |
| Success | Better decisions and improved business outcomes |
Workshop Agenda (1-Day Delivery)
This structured, interactive day blends storytelling techniques with Power BI best practices. Each module builds on the last, culminating in a practical lab and peer review session that reinforces learning through doing.
Part 1: Introduction – The Role of Storytelling in Data
Discover why storytelling matters in business intelligence. Learn the difference between a report and a narrative, and explore real-world examples of how good storytelling leads to better decisions. We’ll introduce the “hero’s journey” framework and how it applies to Power BI.
Part 2: Know Your Hero – Understanding Your Audience and Their Challenges
Reports are only as good as their relevance. In this session, we’ll explore how to profile your audience: their goals, pain points, KPIs, and the types of decisions they make. You’ll learn to frame your report around what your audience needs to see—not just what you can show.
Part 3: The Analyst as Guide – Using Power BI to Deliver Clarity
Learn how to transform your role from report builder to insight guide. We’ll cover practical Power BI techniques for data modelling, clean visuals, and guided navigation. You’ll learn how to choose visuals that speak to the narrative, avoid clutter, and build trust in the data.
Part 4: Structure the Story – Beginning, Middle, and End
Every strong report has a beginning (context), middle (exploration), and end (action). We’ll explore how to apply this three-act structure to your Power BI pages, guide users with bookmarks and tooltips, and ensure that each page supports the overall narrative arc.
Part 5: Hands-On Lab – Create a Narrative Report
Apply everything you’ve learned in a guided build session. You’ll define your hero and their problem, design a plan using visuals, and build a multi-page Power BI report that tells a story from confusion to clarity. Templates and datasets will be provided.
Part 6: Present and Refine – Share Your Story and Receive Feedback
Participants will present their narrative reports in small groups. You’ll receive peer and instructor feedback on your use of structure, clarity, and communication. We’ll also share practical templates, style guides, and next steps for applying the method in your organisation.
Delivery Options
The Data-Driven Storytelling with Power BI workshop can be delivered on-site at your premises or online via Microsoft Teams or your preferred platform.
While the standard delivery is one day, we also offer additional delivery options to tailor the workshop to your needs. Extra days can be added for:
- Extended hands-on sessions for deeper practice and application
- Working with your own organisational data to build relevant, real-world stories
- Coaching and mentoring for your internal Power BI report authors
Who Should Attend?
- Power BI report authors and analysts
- Business stakeholders who rely on reports for decision-making
- Anyone responsible for building or briefing dashboards
Benefits to Your Organisation
- More impactful, user-centred Power BI reports
- Increased stakeholder confidence and engagement
- Faster, clearer decision-making across the business
Book Your Workshop
To discuss your requirements or book a delivery date, please contact us or book a call using the link below: