storytelling with data podcast

Waterfall charts are great at showing what happened between where you started and where you ended—but they can look a little strange if you’ve never encountered one before.
In this episode, Alli explains what a waterfall chart is, when to use one, and how to make it easier for your audience to read. Plus, she highlights three clever examples from the storytelling with data community that use color, annotations, and even small multiples to make the most of this less-common chart type.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/111
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Waterfall chart definition, examples, and the how-to video
Waterfall community challenge
Jian’s waterfall
Keith’s waterfall
Andrew’s waterfall

Conveying confidence when presenting often comes down to a few small, intentional choices. Jay Sullivan, author of Simply Said and communication expert at Exec|Comm, shares three simple tweaks that can make an immediate difference.
You’ll learn:
his smart approach to eye contact
what the “Arc of Silence” is and how to use it
the helpful acronym “RIDE” to clearly explain a chart that you’re presenting

Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/110

RELATED LINKS
Book your storytelling with data team training!

Simply Said by Jay Sullivan

More about Jay’s work at Exec|Comm

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn

Want to make your data story more engaging? Try adding a little tension. Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she explores how tension can create curiosity and keep your audience invested in your story.

You’ll learn three simple ways to build tension—expectation versus reality, knowledge tension, and action tension—and see how members of the storytelling with data community put each technique into practice.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Register for our 8-week online course: plan, create, and deliver your data story. September 28th–November 22nd, 2026.
Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off your registration!

Join the storytelling with data community!

Look through the community exercise submissions for building tension
Danny’s submission

Miroslav’s submission

Regina’s submission

Podcast: help! my data story feels boring

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What do you do when a leader asks you to find data to prove them right?
In this episode, data storytellers Ryan Biesecker and Alli Torban explore the difference between investigating a hypothesis and validating a foregone conclusion. They share practical ways to ask better questions, approach analysis with curiosity, and navigate the tricky situation when the data doesn’t support what your leader expected.
Learn how to protect your credibility while respectfully managing upward.
SHOW NOTES:
https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/108
RELATED RESOURCES:
⁠Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026⁠. The next public workshop is November 5, 2026 (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses)

Blog: what if my audience wants a different story?

Blog: don't fall victim to "the curse of knowledge"

Blog: how do I give an unbiased recommendation to my analysis?

Community Conversation: around challenges while driving change

Podcast: the challenges of change

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How do you handle a presentation when your boss gives you a slide limit? Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she tackles this common presentation constraint.
You'll learn why limiting slides doesn’t necessarily lead to shorter presentations, how negotiating for a time limit instead can lead to clearer communication, and practical strategies for when the slide limit truly isn’t negotiable.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/107

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026⁠ (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses)

Alex’s blog post: limit the minutes and let the slides slide

Book your own custom team training