Data Storytelling
Bootcamp

Bespoke consultancy and training package for data teams

 

Presenting data can be hard. We’ve all stood in front a room full of glazed expressions while we attempt to talk our way around an impenetrable graph or a table full of numbers.

And you’ve probably tried to make it better. Maybe you’ve played around with different types of charts, you’ve invested in new software, you’ve brought in designers to help, and you’ve pleaded with ChatGPT to do it for you.

None of those things tackle the central problem:

Data doesn’t change minds.
Stories do.

We only truly get value from data analysis and evidence gathering if we can create a compelling narrative that resonates with actual humans.

This Data Storytelling Bootcamp will give you and your team the confidence and skills to turn raw data into compelling visual communications. And we can deliver that in 30 days.

Unlike other training packages, the Bootcamp is completely bespoke. We’ll tailor all of the training content and resources to your organisation, and leave you with a custom set of resources, templates and design guidelines.

 
 

Turn messy charts…

…into clear and actionable visuals

 

I’m Alan Rutter, founder of Fire Plus Algebra. I’ve been delivering data visualisation training for nearly fifteen years, and I know what works, and what falls flat. With a background in publishing (WIRED, The Guardian, Time Out) I approach the subject from a practical and non-academic point of view. There are insights in the data that we’re trying to transmit to another person – so the acid test of whether we’ve succeeded is: did they get it? No amount of theory or fancy graphic design can sidestep that.

 

The Bootcamp covers principles like graphical perception, preattentive processing and cognitive biases that fundamentally affect how people absorb visual information. And it gives you a deep dive into the science of constructing narratives that tap into both the rational and emotional parts of the human brain.

 
 
 

The Bootcamp is for you if…

  • You and your team are regularly presenting data to different stakeholders, inside and outside of your organisation.

  • You know your data inside-out, but are struggling to grab your audience’s attention and make sure they understand the key insights.

  • You want your insights to be driving decision-making and change in your organisation (not spending hours fiddling with slide decks or reports).

  • You want (and deserve) to be listened to. Not only will that help the organisation make better decisions, but it will raise the profile of you and your team.

 

How it works

We’ll lead you through four key stages, all of which can be completed in a single month.

  • We’ll discuss your key challenges, the audiences you’re communicating with, your data sets, and the tool you have access to. And then we’ll go away and augment that with additional research.

  • We'll deliver training to your team, either as a full-day in-person, or flexibly over Zoom. This will cover core principles of effective data visualisation, as well as tried-and-tested design techniques.scription text goes here

  • Your team will apply the learning immediately to their own role – reworking reports, slide decks and dashboards. We'll provide remote support and feedback over email or chat.

  • In the final live session we'll hone your team's work into reusable templates, style guides and best practice examples. We'll discuss any ongoing challenges that still exist. And we'll walk you through a curated set of resources and tools.

 
 

We’ve tested our approach by training thousands of people, and we know that what we teach works. But you don’t have to just take our word for it – you can browse the testimonials below…

happy clients

“We have been using Tableau to display data for some time but knew we could do more to engage our end users. Alan’s training gave us a framework to start thinking about what we wanted to achieve with our visualisations and analysis, and some great tips on how to display information for maximum impact. Alan was an engaging trainer and we found the workshops very energising.”

Ellen Austin | Senior Data Analyst | London School of Economics

“I have made my first report employing some of the ideas and tools Alan showed us – to rapturous responses! The next actions are clear for all and they all understood it! Thank you for helping me to organise my data and thoughts, showing how to present the key message up front, and how to keep it simple and focused. Gearing up for another report now!”

Kay Anderson | Head of Finance | Mima

“Alan was great to work with, he took us through the concepts behind data visualisation which means our team is now equipped for the future. He has a wide range of experience across the topic that is delivered in a clear, concise and friendly manner.“

John Masterson | Chief Product Officer | ImproveWell

“Alan’s course provided great insight about common communication pitfalls and how to avoid them, how to become better communicators by understanding the audience diversity, and it showcased some great online tools for creating infographics. This should be mandatory training for all students, academics, report writers and those involved with conveying research to the media as it will help increase the clarity and accessibility of our own research stories.”

Dr Lee Haines | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Bootcamp cost?
£5000+VAT. That covers consultancy, training, and all the resources and templates.

How many attendees can join the training?
Generally we work with teams of up to 16 people, but if you have a larger or smaller group it’s always worth booking in a consultation call. As the Bootcamp is bespoke, we can usually make it work!

Is any specific software required?
We’ll work with the software or coding languages that you have access to and you’re comfortable with. The focus of the Bootcamp is on developing skills that can be applied using any tool.

What skill level is the Bootcamp aimed at?
All attendees should be comfortable analysing their data (qualitative or quantitative), but you don’t need to have any design experience or skills at all. You will be presenting data to a range of stakeholders inside or outside of your organisation.

 

Explore our client list

We’ve worked with organisations across the public, private and charity sectors (click around the visualisation to see who we’ve helped).