How To Blend Storytelling And Data To Secure Stakeholder Buy-In

When it comes to presenting data to stakeholders, many leaders find themselves facing the same challenge: the numbers are solid, but the message doesn’t seem to land. You’ve likely experienced it—spending hours preparing, only to be met with silence or brief questions that don’t lead to buy-in.

Here’s a secret to powerful presentations- the best presentations don’t just show the facts; they show why the facts matter and how they align with the audience’s goals and challenges. When you combine storytelling with data, you’re not just informing your stakeholders—you’re engaging them and inspiring them to take action.

Let me share an example:

A leader I worked with was presenting the results of a major initiative. While the data was strong, the presentation felt like a list of facts. When we shifted the focus to a narrative—a story that began with the challenge, showed how the data helped address it, and ended with a vision for the future—the room transformed. Stakeholders were engaged, asking questions, and ultimately giving their full support. The difference? They felt connected to the story behind the data.

Let’s turn your data into a story that drives results.

If you are serious about mastering the power of blending storytelling and data together to gain stakeholder buy-in I've opened up my calendar for complimentary 20-minute Leadership Storytelling Consultations to share with you how our "Executive Webinar Collection" is your new go-to resource to master storytelling communication.

Schedule a Leadership Storytelling Consultation

About the Author

LaDawn Townsend is a storytelling strategist and keynote speaker recognized as a leading authority on influential storytelling. With a reputation for transforming how organizations communicate, LaDawn has worked with top companies including Amazon, NASA, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, the U.S. Congressional Bipartisan Group, and a variety of nonprofits. Featured in Inc. Magazine and Fortune, she has coached high-performing brands, executives, and politicians to lead with purpose, craft compelling narratives, and create meaningful connections with their audiences. Through her dynamic approach, LaDawn empowers leaders to use storytelling as a tool for influence and impact.