One process.
Three options.
Based on the same proven SWD process from our best-selling books, choose the depth and length of time that works best for your team.
the mini
2 hours, in-person or virtual
Quick, visible wins, not a deep dive: common mistakes fixed with easy-to-implement tactics
Best for: Perfect as an introductory training, or as part of an off-site or conference.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
✓ Identify the "so what" in their data before building a single slide
✓ Create clear, visually pleasing data visualizations that are easily interpreted by non-technical audiences
✓ Present their data-driven slides with skill by animating through a story to build engagement
MOST POPULAR
the core
4 hours, in-person or virtual
Lasting impact by combining theory & practice as we step through the process.
Best for: Great as a standalone training, or as part of an emerging leader program.
EVERYTHING IN THE MINI, PLUS:
✓ Form a persuasive message that earns buy-in from leadership, not just attention
✓ Develop shorter, more focused presentations that respect a leader's time
✓ Confidently choose the appropriate chart type for the underlying data and scenario
Still not sure which option is best for you?
Don’t hesitate to reach out!
the immersive
one full-day, in-person only
Longer lessons, more practice, plus tips on delivery and leadership presence.
Best for: Ideal as a standalone training for teams that want more hands-on coaching.
EVERYTHING IN THE MINI & CORE, PLUS:
✓ Apply slide design best practices (hierarchy, layout, whitespace), so each slide earns attention, instead of losing it
✓ Polish delivery skills to convey confidence when presenting to senior leaders
✓ Offer constructive feedback to help upskill peers and drive change
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can attend a session?
We find that for both in-person and virtual sessions, 20–30 participants works best. Our workshops are priced accordingly. If you have a smaller group, we encourage you to invite additional colleagues to ensure discussion is robust (bonus: when more people across the organization have an understanding of what effective data communication looks like, it's easier to drive the change that you seek!). While we recommend up to 30 attendees, larger groups can be accommodated; please reach out to us to discuss.
How do virtual and in-person sessions differ?
The ideal learning environment is when people are together in the same physical space. There are tangible benefits to being able to talk directly to other participants and the instructors and to having a shared experience without the distractions of our devices. If you’re debating the format, we recommend bringing people together in person. That said, virtual allows individuals on distributed teams to attend from their preferred locations, gives everyone an equal opportunity to participate, and lends a feeling of personal instruction—like instructors are speaking directly to each attendee. Our virtual workshops are engaging and interactive, second only to in-person storytelling with data sessions.
Do you allow hybrid training sessions?
We optimize our workshops to account for the setting, be it in-person or virtual. We do not support in-person and virtual attendees in a single session.
What if my team is small?
If you're part of a small team or would like a few colleagues to learn from us, check out our Public Workshops for individuals.
Do participants receive books?
For logistical reasons, only attendees of in-person sessions will receive a book. Regardless of the learning environment, all attendees will receive detailed handouts summarizing workshop teachings, customized makeovers, and links to learning materials to continue their storytelling journeys.
What tools do you use?
We’re tool-agnostic. Outside of using Zoom for virtual sessions, we emphasize low-tech approaches to build the foundational thinking behind effective data communication. Paper, pen, and sticky notes are the primary tools used to practice the concepts we teach during the workshop. Our view is that visualization tools and AI can support and accelerate the work, but they can’t replace the necessary thinking behind clear, actionable communication.
Who teaches the team workshops?
All sessions are instructed by SWD data storytellers. They have all worked with data throughout their varied careers, and have been trained to expertly deliver workshops by SWD CEO, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic. In-person workshops at your location are led by one or two data storytellers; virtual workshops are co-facilitated remotely by two data storytellers. Meet the entire team and see videos of them in action here.