The short answer is “yes.” “Data storytelling gives anyone, regardless of level or skill set, the ability to understand and use data in their jobs every single day,” explains Anna Walsh in a blog post by Narrative Science. A data analyst is able to glance at data and understand critical findings. A stakeholder on the other hand may struggle to find trends in a series of numbers and statistics. The data story bridges the gap between an analyst and to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to predicting trends and correlating facts and findings.

What’s even more important is the way a data story connects different team members allowing them to understand the same information quickly in order to make important decisions. “By providing insights in a way that anyone can understand, in language, data storytelling gives your team what they want—the ability to get the story about what matters to them in seconds,” Walsh notes. It’s no secret that everyone learns differently – by telling a story more people are able to comprehend the message in an easy digestible way.

One method to tell a data story is through infographics that incorporate key metrics in an aesthetically pleasing document that anyone from a vice president to a office manager can look at and comprehend key findings. The best infographics have a wide array of graphs that depict trends. The most popular charts include pie charts and bar graphs that show percentages, spend, and other important data. According to Analytiks, infographics are a critical marketing tool because they are “excellent for exploring complex and highly-subjective topics.”

According to Lucidchart – it’s important that a good data story has three components. Data, visuals, and a narrative. Without these three components – the data story falls flat. The article explains, “ Together, these elements put your data into context and pull the most important information into focus for key decision-makers.” Without visualization – a decision maker might be confused as to what they are looking at. Without a narrative – a decision maker may draw the wrong conclusion than an analyst intended. Together – the decision maker will understand what they’re looking at to make intelligent decisions.

Visualizing data has helped companies make smart and calculating decisions that help their businesses succeed. It’s important that data scientists understand that not everyone is a “data person”. Using their key findings to develop a story will help decision makers and key stakeholders comprehend the results and feel confident in their decisions on how to progress the organization forward.