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Confident, Clear, Compelling

Presenting Data with Impact

Presenting Data with Impact teaches professionals how to turn insights into clear, compelling stories that leaders can quickly understand. It builds the skills and confidence needed to deliver polished presentations that inspire action and support better decision-making.

You have learned how to uncover insights and build dashboards. Now it is time to bring those insights to life. Presenting Data with Impact is designed for professionals who want to elevate their data storytelling from analysis to influence. Many professionals can create great visuals but struggle to communicate their meaning or persuade decision-makers to act. This course bridges that gap. You will learn how to structure a compelling message, frame your visuals for business impact, and craft presentations that engage leaders and inspire change.

Once you have completed Storytelling Through Data and Visuals and Building Dashboards and Visualizations (Excel and Power BI), this next step focuses on how to present your findings with confidence, clarity, and executive polish.

  • Program Details
  • What You'll Learn
  • Program Details

    Program Format: In Person

    Cost: $1650

    CEUs (Continuing Education Units): 1.2

    Length of Program: 12 Contact Hours

    Program Structure: Meets 2 times from 9am - 4pm

    Upcoming Sessions:

    What You'll Learn

    • How to turn your data into a clear, compelling story
    • Ways to present visuals so leaders quickly understand the “so what”
    • Tips for speaking with confidence and guiding your audience toward action
    • How to build presentations that are polished, engaging, and easy to follow

    By the end, you will have the tools to turn data into action through visuals that inform, stories that resonate, and presentations that move your audience from understanding to decision.

    Program Details

    Program Format: In Person

    Cost: $1650

    CEUs (Continuing Education Units): 1.2

    Length of Program: 12 Contact Hours

    Program Structure: Meets 2 times from 9am - 4pm

    Upcoming Sessions:

    What You'll Learn

    • How to turn your data into a clear, compelling story
    • Ways to present visuals so leaders quickly understand the “so what”
    • Tips for speaking with confidence and guiding your audience toward action
    • How to build presentations that are polished, engaging, and easy to follow

    By the end, you will have the tools to turn data into action through visuals that inform, stories that resonate, and presentations that move your audience from understanding to decision.

    Photo of 3 young professionals in an office setting looking at a desktop computer monitor and smiling

    Who Should Enroll

    This course is designed for professionals who want to strengthen how they communicate data-driven insights, including:

    • Professionals who regularly present findings to executives.
    • Those looking to enhance their storytelling and presentation impact.
    • Alumni of Storytelling Through Data and Visuals or Building Dashboards and Visualizations (Excel and Power BI) who want to advance their skills and complete the series.

    Prerequisite: Participants must complete both prior courses in the series before enrolling in Presenting Data with Impact. The first two courses may be taken in any order.

    You Will Learn How To:

    Craft Compelling Executive Summaries

    Distill complex analyses into clear, concise insights.

    Develop Persuasive Data Narratives

    Learn to use the Minto Pyramid framework and other structured storytelling tools.

    Design and Deliver Impactful Visual Presentations

    Tailor your messaging to executive audiences.

    Collaborate with Peers

    Build and refine professional-grade PowerPoint decks using real-world case studies and data.

    Integrate AI Tools

    Enhance data visualization, refine messaging, and streamline the development of presentations.

    Curriculum

    The first day focuses on transforming raw data and analysis into a clear, persuasive narrative. You’ll start by revisiting key lessons from the first two courses, then learn how to connect data insights to a business problem and audience need. With guidance from the instructors, you’ll:

    • Develop a concise problem statement that defines your case study.

    • Use the Minto Pyramid framework to organize your message and build the foundation for your visuals.

    • Create visuals that clarify your story rather than overwhelm it.

    • Draft an executive summary that captures the essence of your findings in one page.

    Throughout the day, you’ll receive personalized feedback from both instructors and refine your materials through an iterative process. You’ll finish Day 1 with a polished executive memo and a strong story framework that sets you up for presentation success.


    The second day is all about bringing your story to life through visual presentation and delivery. You’ll work in pairs to apply what you’ve learned to a new case study, creating a professional-quality PowerPoint deck and preparing to present it. You’ll:

    • Review what makes an effective, executive-level presentation.

    • Collaborate to design a 5–6 slide presentation that communicates your data story clearly.

    • Refine your visuals, narrative flow, and speaking points using instructor and peer feedback.

    • Practice presenting your insights to the group and receive direct coaching to strengthen your delivery.

    You’ll wrap up the course by sharing your final presentation, learning from peer examples, and walking away with templates and frameworks you can apply immediately in your work.


    Meet the Instructors

    Headshot of Dave Wehling against window with natural light

    Dave Wehling

    Dr. David Wehling, a Doctor of Business Administration, has led Forecasting and Analytics at the International Division of the Toro Company for 30 years. Over the past 16 years, he has taught at the graduate, undergraduate, and executive education levels as an adjunct professor. Currently, he teaches a graduate course on building data narratives at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis.
    Headshot of Darin Sullwold with grey gradient background

    Darin Sullwold

    Darin Sullwold is a Clinical Faculty member in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience and expertise in Lean Six Sigma, data analytics, and process improvement to help students and professionals apply practical, data-driven strategies to real-world business challenges.

    Take the Next Step

    St. Thomas Executive Education programs give you cutting-edge, practical knowledge and real-world skills you can apply at work the very next day. Gain the tools and techniques to be a more effective, strategic leader.
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