Using Storytelling & Visual Narrative to Present Your Research Findings

Data alone rarely changes minds, but stories do. When students present their research, it’s not enough to just report numbers or cite findings. A strong narrative gives research significance. It answers the unspoken question, “why should we care?”

Start with a problem. Show the stakes. Introduce the people or places involved. Then guide your audience through the discovery, highlighting the challenges, insights, and turning points. Use visuals to direct attention and evoke emotion. A simple chart can be engaging when paired with a metaphor or real-life example. 

The goal isn’t to oversimplify or dramatize; it’s to connect. When students present their findings within a narrative structure, their work becomes not just informative but memorable. After all, the best research doesn’t just tell you what happened; it makes you feel why it matters.