Financial Data Storytelling

Learn how to structure organise and deliver compelling data-driven presentations

The rich green hues of a green liquid its swirls and patterns mesmerizing

A two-day course

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Download: Course Outline

Section 1: Foundations of Data Storytelling and Communication

Session 1: Introduction to Data Storytelling

How Data is Structured and Categorised
Understanding types of data and their relevance to storytelling
What Data Storytelling in Finance actually is
Defining storytelling in a financial context and its applications
The Five Layers of Corporate Engagement
Framework for connecting data stories to stakeholder priorities
Identifying the Data Core
Techniques for isolating key insights in complex datasets
AI Avatar Simulation: Realistic Pitch Scenario. Hands-on activity where participants select data to meet stakeholder needs.

Session 2: Foundations of Data Storytelling

Purpose and Power of Storytelling
Why stories are impactful and how they influence decision-making
Elements of a Strong Data Narrative
Focus on the "hero" (central insight) and the Problem-Insight-Solution framework
Introduction to Storytelling Frameworks
- AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) and STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) models
- 8 storytelling techniques in finance
- Clarifications and sharing participant perspectives.

Session 3: Storytelling Techniques

Adapting Storytelling Techniques to Finance
Psychological Aspects of Storytelling
- Understanding biases, heuristics, and their impact on audience perception
- Strategies to Navigate Cognitive Biases
- Practical methods to counteract audience shortcuts in reasoning
Interactive Exercise - Participants analyse biases in examples

Session 4: Recording and Presenting

Guidelines for Effective Presentation
Key principles for creating impactful recordings
Recording Participant Presentations - Participants prepare and record short presentations
- Group Feedback and Discussion. Review recordings, providing constructive feedback for improvement.

Section 2: Advanced Techniques and Application

Session 5: Developing Compelling Data Narratives

Techniques for Isolating Core Messages
Body language
Methods to extract key insights from complex datasets
Aligning Narratives with Business Goals
Ensuring stories align with organisational objectives
Storyboarding Essentials
Designing engaging narratives with logical flow
Connecting Data Points
Building cohesive stories by linking relevant insights
Discussion and Practice Quick practice session for narrative structuring

Session 6: Advanced Visualisation and Tools

Principles of Effective Visualisation
- Choosing the right charts and simplifying visuals
Advanced Tools Overview
- Introduction to Tableau, Power BI, and Python visualisation libraries (intro only)
Avoiding Design Pitfalls
- Common mistakes and best practices in visual design
Interactive Exercise. Participants create and critique their own visualisations

Session 7: Translating Technical to Non-Technical & Crisis Communication

Bridging Technical to Non-Technical information and data
Strategies, metaphors, and live translation practice
Crisis Communication Techniques
- How to present data under pressure or when delivering bad news
Data Ethics and Bias Awareness
- Recognising and managing third party biases in data and presentation
Discussion and Case Studies. Real-life scenarios and lessons learned.

Session 8: Recording and Presenting

Preparing Final Presentations
- Guidance on refining narratives and visuals
Recording Participant Presentations
- Participants record longer, final presentations integrating all course elements
- Review and Feedback

Redcliffe's trainer is an independent financial consultant providing advisory services to small and medium companies, covering a broad range of companies from pension fiduciary managers to US private equities and holding companies.

His experience as Financial Services executive spans more than 25 years in investment banking, wholesale and retail banking.

As Deputy Chief Financial Officer of a US$>200bn bank, he has been responsible for strategic and financial planning, M&A design and execution, capital raising and debt issuance, private equity and institutional investor end-to-end liaison, completing numerous transactions including takeovers, carve-outs, P2P, buyouts and government assisted transactions both in Europe and the US, raising funding in both ECM (Equity Capital Markets) and DCM (Debt Capital Markets). He has been the leading finance contact for negotiations with top US private equity firms and boutique investment banks in real estate deals. He was also a senior contact for the IMF Mission Article IV during the financial crisis.

As equity research analyst for Citigroup in a top ranked team, he has delivered multiple deals in Europe and Latin America and engaged with international institutional investors across the globe.

He is experienced in oversight and compliance, having been Country Head in the UK and SMF lead regulatory contact with the PRA, the FCA, the FED and European financial regulators (EBA & SSM).

Along his career he has presented more than 7,500 hours of financial and capital markets content to a broad range of financial stakeholders globally, making financial concepts simple and accessible by adapting the jargon to the audience’s background.

Since 2014 the trainer has been a contributor to world leading universities and business schools including the London School of Economics, IE Business School, The University of Chicago, UNAV (IESE) and ESADE in both MBA and professional education programmes where he is currently teaching Corporate Finance, M&A, Financial and Management Accounting and Private Equity.

Develop structured, compelling data presentations that effectively convey insights to different types of audiences.
Use storytelling frameworks to present complex financial, operational, or strategic data in a way that influences decision-making.
Understand psychological biases and cognitive heuristics that impact how stakeholders interpret data.
Leverage data visualisation best practices to create clear, engaging, and impactful charts, graphs, and slides.
Adapt presentations for different stakeholder types, ensuring clarity for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Master verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to enhance audience engagement and retention.
Navigate challenging presentation scenarios, including crisis communication and high-stakes financial reporting.

Delivered by a professional with >25 years of international experience presenting financial data to capital markets and in-house
AI-avatar video and audio simulations which replicate life-like situations allow participants to immerse themselves in the subject matter in a realistic manner.
Step-by-step instructions on making slides dynamic in Powerpoint.
Using real scenarios based on the client’s industry, fostering experiential learning.
Simulations of internal presentations by stakeholder type, identifying best practice and which data to leverage.
Practical approach, recording, replaying and discussing presentations for an interactive learning process.
Review and understanding of non-technical aspects of a presentation (cognitive heuristics).

This course is suited for professionals who work with data and need to communicate insights effectively. It is particularly beneficial for:

Finance and accounting professionals who present financial results, forecasts, and business cases.
Investment and corporate bankers who need to articulate data-driven insights for clients and internal stakeholders.
Business analysts and strategists responsible for reporting on performance, risk, and market trends.
Senior managers and executives who rely on data to make strategic decisions and need to communicate complex information concisely.
Consultants, project managers, and decision-makers who regularly present data-driven recommendations.
Anyone who wants to improve their ability to translate complex data into clear, persuasive presentations.

No prior knowledge of data visualisation tools like Power BI or Tableau is required, though familiarity with PowerPoint and working with datasets is advantageous.

The Presenting with Data course is designed to help professionals transform raw data into compelling narratives that drive decision-making. Participants will learn to structure, organise, and deliver data-driven presentations with clarity and impact. The course combines experiential learning techniques, including real-world case studies, interactive exercises, and AI-avatar simulations, to ensure practical application. Participants will explore storytelling principles, psychological biases, data visualisation strategies, and advanced presentation techniques. The course also covers cognitive heuristics, audience adaptation, and crisis communication.

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