Stop Showing Charts, Start Telling Stories: How Data Professionals Can Use the Golden Circle and Pyramid Principle

After years of building Power BI dashboards, I learned that beautiful charts don't guarantee action. Here's how two simple frameworks changed everything.

The Dashboard That Nobody Used

Three years ago, I spent weeks building what I thought was the perfect sales dashboard. Clean visuals, interactive filters, real-time data. The business users loved it during the demo. But six months later? Usage was nearly zero.

The problem wasn't the data or the design. It was my approach. I was showing what happened, not why it mattered.

Framework 1: Simon Sinek's Golden Circle for Data Stories

Most data professionals present inside-out: "Here's what the data shows, here's how we calculated it, and here's why you should care."

But people don't buy what you do—they buy why you do it. The Golden Circle flips this approach:

Start with WHY: Begin with the business problem or opportunity Then explain HOW: Show your analytical approach Finally reveal WHAT: Present the specific insights and recommendations

Example in Action:

Traditional approach: "Our conversion rate dropped 12% last quarter. I analyzed the funnel using cohort analysis and found that mobile users are converting 30% less than desktop users."

Golden Circle approach: "We're losing $2.3 million in potential revenue because customers can't complete purchases easily. By analyzing user behavior across devices, I discovered our mobile checkout process has three critical friction points. Here's how we can fix them and recover that lost revenue."

Notice the difference? The second version starts with impact, not statistics.

Framework 2: Minto's Pyramid Principle for Executive Dashboards

When presenting to busy executives, lead with your conclusion. They need the "so what" immediately, with the ability to dive deeper if needed.

Structure your dashboard presentations like this:

1. Main insight at the top: The one thing they must know

2. Supporting evidence: 3-4 key metrics that prove your point

3. Details on demand: Additional analysis available if they ask

Power BI Implementation:

• Page 1: Executive summary with the key insight and recommended action

• Page 2-3: Supporting metrics with clear annotations

• Page 4+: Detailed breakdowns and methodology

The Transformation

Since adopting these frameworks, my dashboard presentations have changed completely:

• Stakeholder engagement increased 300% - People actually ask questions now

• Decision speed improved - Executives act on insights faster

• Request volume grew - Teams want more analytical support

Your Next Steps

1. Review your last dashboard presentation - Did you start with why or what?

2. Restructure one report using the Pyramid Principle

3. Practice the Golden Circle in your next stakeholder meeting

4. Measure engagement - Are people asking better questions?

The Bottom Line

Data professionals who master storytelling don't just present insights—they drive decisions. Your technical skills got you this far. Storytelling will take you to the next level.

What's your biggest challenge when presenting data to business stakeholders? Share in the comments below.