Bridging the Gap: Training Non-Technical Audiences in Data Storytelling Through Modular, Bite-Sized Curriculum

Gopal Krishna K Iyer, Kumrashan Indranil Iyer

Abstract: In the age of making decisions based on data, the ability to communicate insights effectively has become a important ability across all roles. However, traditional data training programs are often designed with technically inclined audiences in mind, leaving people who aren't tech experts struggling to work with data in a meaningful way. This paper proposes a organized, step-by-step method to training non-technical audiences in storytelling with data. Grounded in adult learning theory and supported by research based on real-world data, our approach emphasizes small, easy-to-understand pieces of content designed to gradually develop basic skills. We introduce a three-module curriculum focusing on data literacy, narrative construction, and practical application within real-world business settings. By reviewing existing literature and integrating practitioner insights, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a training framework that's easy for people to use. This knowledge-based research aims to inform L&D professionals, data educators, and organizational leaders seeking to empower broader teams with data storytelling capabilities. The findings suggest that when data storytelling training is tailored to the mental and practical needs of non-technical learners, it greatly improves how people engage with, remember, and use the insights they learn.

Keywords: Data Storytelling, Business Intelligence, Business Analytics, Technical Training, Data Literacy, Learning and Development, Visual Data Interpretation, Data and Visualization