The unexpected benefit of communication training for scientists and researchers

Communication training is usually framed as helping researchers explain their work more clearly to others.

But something interesting often happens during these programmes.

Researchers frequently report that the process of explaining their work helps them understand it differently themselves.

A paper reviewing science communication training initiatives notes a similar effect. When researchers are asked to explain their work to new audiences, they are often forced to step back from the details of their methods and focus on the structure of the research itself.

They’re challenged to think about what the central question is, why the problem matters, and how this piece of work fits into a larger picture. These questions can reveal gaps or assumptions that were not obvious before.

In other words, communication training does not only improve explanation. It can also sharpen thinking.

The process of articulating a research idea clearly, especially to people outside the field, often helps researchers see their own work with fresh perspective.

Explaining research well turns out to be closely connected with understanding it well.