The goal isn’t to use AI more—it’s to tell better stories with data.

AI is changing how we work, but the principles of effective data storytelling haven’t changed: the most effective data storytelling still depends on you and your ability to interpret, prioritize, and communicate clearly for your audience. Start by building your foundation with classic storytelling with data principles. Then use AI intentionally to think critically, create efficiently, and communicate effectively.

NEW! SWD + AI PRIMER
Build your foundation, then partner with AI

Get our primer with essential SWD principles, guidance for your AI partner, and conversation starters to help you put it all into practice.

GET THE FREE PRIMER

WATCH VIDEOS
AI & data storytelling

SEE THE COMPARISON
Can AI tell a better data story?

Cole tests 5 AI tools using the same dataset and prompts to see how well each creates a compelling data story. See how each AI handles turning data into insight, designing graphs and slides, and applying (or missing) core data storytelling principles. WATCH

WATCH THE RECORDING
AI for data storytelling: better graphs, slides, and presentations

Learn to partner with AI to generate content faster, refine your thinking, and create more effective communication—while staying in control of your message, visuals, and story. SWD’s Cole and Simon show how to use AI to craft better data stories and answer related questions. WATCH

WATCH THE RECORDING: Data Storytelling in the Age of AI

In this panel from Canva Create, together with Duncan Clark and Tey Bannerman, Cole discusses how AI is changing the landscape of data storytelling—and why human judgment matters more than ever. WATCH

Read the companion article.

TEAM TRAINING
Enhance data storytelling with AI

Our newest workshop teaches teams how to use AI as a practical tool for telling stories with data. When paired with human insight and decision-making, AI can strengthen messaging and design, accelerate iteration, and improve the quality of what your team creates. Attendees will leave with a repeatable approach for partnering with AI throughout the data storytelling process.

Learn more

READ
Practical AI guidance for data storytellers

AI can be a powerful thought partner throughout your data storytelling work. In this five-part SWD + AI series, we’ll show you how, walking through core SWD lessons with practical guidance, pitfalls to avoid, example prompts, and real-world examples.

AVAILABLE NOW:
SWD + AI: start with context
SWD + AI: craft a story
SWD + AI: choose an appropriate visual

COMING SOON:
SWD + AI: design effective graphs and slides
SWD + AI: present powerfully

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NEW! Get the free
SWD + AI primer

Build your data storytelling foundation, then parter with AI thoughtfully.
Inside you’ll find:

  • essential SWD principles

  • guidance for your AI partner

  • conversation starters to put the approach into practice

Use with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, or the AI tool of your choice.

AI is evolving quickly. The fundamentals of effective communication aren’t.
Learn how to bring them together through our public workshops and team trainings.