When a “good news” story lands badly
Why we need to be mindful of the stories we choose to use and tell
A story about unintended harm, emotional reaction, and thoughts on why it’s so important to tailor stories to our audience.
Why do you want to communicate science? / SciComm Shorts Episode 01
In the first episode of SciComm Shorts, we’ll talk about why your “why” is the place to start when you’re thinking about your science communication. Presented by Suzanne Whitby of SciComm Success.
Music by “Sweeter Vermouth” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
The right title for your audience
“Little Mermaid’s umbrella turns up in the Andamans”. What does this title say to you? If you saw it turning up in your local paper, accompanied by a photo of an interesting plant, would you want to click and read more? For us, this title made us think “Ooh, the...
Interactive scientific posters: visual, interactive, unforgettable
On my internet wanderings today, I found myself on the iF Design website, mouth agape as I explored an interactive poster designed by The Science Communication Lab. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbxCGCGYrg4 Entitled "Explore the Ocean" the poster was designed to...
Impressions from Pint of Science 2022, the Innsbruck edition
Pint of Science Innsbruck in Innsbruck, 9-11 May 2022. Five themes, five venues, three nights, and over thirty intrepid speakers from a range of research areas and scientific disciplines. And, of course, beer! [gallery...
#Read – Why does science communication help to build better engagement?
Victoria Gill and guests ask why does scientific communication matters in society and how it might be done better on BBC Inside Science, with Sam Illingworth, Berry Billingsley and Ozmala Ismail.
Know your audience
When I ask scientists, researchers and academics WHO they want to reach, one phrase comes up time and time again: the “general public”. But who is this mysterious “general” public? Does a stockbroker have the same values and priorities as a social worker? A...
Look UP! That’s what I am taking from “Don’t look up”.
I am privileged to be able to spend my days working with scientists who want to learn how to turn their academic findings into information that the “general public” can understand and hopefully act upon. Many of the people I coach and train are natural scientists who...
#Watch – Alan Alda On Why Communication Is So Important To Science
The unforgettable Alan Alda chats to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show about why it is so important for researchers and scientists to communicate their science clearly. Our favourite quote (paraphrased) is: “Communication is important in all aspects of relating. In fact, we had an FBI hostage negotiator on one of our podcasts who told us that the skills he uses to negotiate with hostages can be very useful in a marriage…”
Do you inadvertently turn your statements into questions? Here’s why (and how) to stop.
Read this out loud: You’re giving a presentation? That’s… good news? Except that you’re a little nervous? And hesitant? And so you start raising your pitch at the end of every sentence? Everything you say starts to sound like a question, even when you know what you’re...
Remembering names is part of communicating well. Here’s why, and how to do it brilliantly!
A quick summary (for the time-poor) Remembering someone's name and pronouncing it correctly is a key part of making a positive impression. It's also part of being a good communicator. Not bothering to remember someone's name or continually pronouncing it incorrectly,...
Telling a data story: visualising the spread of cholera with Dr. John Snow
Necessity is the mother of invention, and in the mid-1800s, understanding the spread of cholera was a matter of life and death. Cholera was a ruthlessly efficient killer, with both rapid onset and severe symptoms. By the time the disease made its way to London and New...
Make your LinkedIn profiles, posts, and articles POP with a symbol or two
Your LinkedIn profile may be one of your first touchpoints with potential partners, employers, employees, and random interesting people. The challenge is that there are millions of LinkedIn profiles. They’re often text heavy. You can’t do much with the formatting (no...
A better (simpler) way to design posters?
Mike Morrison’s “better poster” design keeps the focus on the poster presenter whilst giving easy access to research. Ready to try it?
Making presentations “sticky” with stories
I love this story: Christopher Wren was a famous English architect and builder who lived from 1632-1723. Legend has it that he was walking past three stone cutters working on the rebuilding of St. Paul’s cathedral. He asked them each what they were doing. The first...