The goal isn’t to use AI more—it’s to tell better stories with data.
AI is changing how we work, but the principles of effective data storytelling haven’t changed. The question isn’t whether to use AI—it’s where AI belongs in your process. That’s because the most effective data storytelling still depends on you: your ability to interpret, prioritize, and clearly communicate what matters most for your audience.
Build a strong foundation with classic storytelling with data principles. Then use AI intentionally to think more critically, create more efficiently, and communicate more clearly.
Explore our latest resources below for practical ways to use AI to tell more compelling stories with data.
WATCH VIDEOS
AI & data storytelling
SEE THE COMPARISON
Can AI tell a better data story?
Cole tests 5 AI tools using the same dataset and prompts to see how well each creates a clear, compelling data story. See how each AI handles turning data into insight, designing graphs and slides, and applying (or missing) core data storytelling principles. WATCH
NEW! WATCH THE RECORDING
AI for data storytelling: better graphs, slides, and presentations
Learn how to partner with AI to generate content faster, refine your thinking, and create clearer, more effective communication—while staying in control of your message, visuals, and story. SWD’s Cole and Simon show how to use AI to create better data stories and answer related questions. WATCH
WATCH THE RECORDING: Data Storytelling in the Age of AI
In this panel from Canva Create, together with Duncan Clark and Tey Bannerman, Cole discusses how AI is changing the landscape of data storytelling—and why human judgment matters more than ever. WATCH
Read the companion article.
TEAM TRAINING
Enhance data storytelling with AI
Our newest workshop teaches teams how to use AI as a practical tool for telling stories with data. When paired with human judgment, AI can strengthen messaging and design, accelerate iteration, and improve the quality of what your team creates. Attendees will leave with a repeatable approach for partnering with AI throughout the data storytelling process.
READ
Practical AI guidance for data storytellers
AI can be a powerful thought partner throughout your data storytelling work—when used well. In this five-part SWD + AI series, we’ll show you how, walking through core SWD lessons with practical guidance, pitfalls to avoid, example prompts, and real-world examples.
AVAILABLE NOW:
SWD + AI: start with context
SWD + AI: craft a story
COMING SOON:
SWD + AI: choose an appropriate visual
SWD + AI: design effective graphs and slides
SWD + AI: present powerfully
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SEE IT IN PRACTICE
Partnering with AI
MAY 2026 SWD CHALLENGE: human + AI
In a recent SWD challenge, we invited people to experiment with AI in their data storytelling and share what they learned.
AI is evolving quickly. The fundamentals of effective communication aren’t.
Learn how to bring them together through our public workshops and team trainings.