📚 I just finished reading Brent Dykes' "Effective Data Storytelling” and I have mixed feelings. The first half of the book is filled with anecdotes and typical business book filler, but there are some good insights, especially in the second half. My main takeaways:
💡 Data professionals need to tell data stories in order to drive change. We can do this by crafting narratives that resonate with our audience and inspire action. 

📝 The creation of a data story is similar to the creation of any other kind of story. Start with the end in mind, in this case a central insight that impacts the business, and then determine the best way to lead up to it. Cut out unnecessary details and always focus on your audience's needs. 

👩‍💼 If an executive doesn’t have time for a data story, don’t just give them “just the facts”. Instead provide them with a “data trailer”, a mini data story with a setting, hook and the key insight. If the executive’s interest is piqued, be prepared to tell the complete data story. 

📊 Data stories use data visualizations to engage the audience and simplify complex messages. The chapters on data visualizations offer practical examples of focusing on what matters, avoiding overwhelming charts, and selecting the right chart types for different purposes. 

🎥 The last chapter breakdowns several several data stories, in particular Rosling's famous "200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes" video, which is a great example of effective data storytelling. Check it out here: Hans Rosling's 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes - The Joy of Stats - BBC Four 

👍 Overall, I'd recommend "Effective Data Storytelling" to data professionals looking to improve their communication skills and drive change with their insights. Just be prepared to skim through the first half to get to the more interesting second half. #BookReview #DataStorytelling #DataVisualization #DataDrivenChange