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.
WATCH VIDEOS
AI & data storytelling
NEW!
I gave 4 AI tools the same graph—with & without storytelling with data principles
What happens when you give AI storytelling with data principles before asking it to improve a graph? Cole tests ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot to find out. The short answer: it works. 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
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: 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.
LISTEN
AI does (and does not) work for data storytelling
Cole joins the Analytics Power Hour podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about using AI in data storytelling: practical strategies, where it can help, the risks to watch for, and how to get better results. LISTEN
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.
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
SWD + AI: design effective graphs and slides
COMING SOON:
SWD + AI: present powerfully
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Practical AI guidance for data storytellers
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.