Posts in: Tools & Resources

In our trainings, and on this blog, we talk a lot about the importance of getting to know your audience. As science communication trainers, we also need tools that help us get to know our audience! But sometimes it’s just not possible to gather that information ahead of time. We know that this is something that many scientists struggle with as well—whether you ...

Talking about yourself and your science can be hard. Where to start? For many of our workshop participants, it’s like embarking on an adventure out of their comfort zones and into uncharted territory. As a facilitator, I like to guide and accompany participants as they venture into new, as-yet-to-be-explored terrain in communicating their science. Each workshop i...

What’s one way to get the attention of adults and children alike? Say the magic words: “Once upon a time….” Of course, those words aren’t magic in and of themselves. It’s what they signal to people that’s important. When we hear that phrase, we know that a story is coming, and as humans, we are primed to pay attention to stories. Stories, and how t...

Many scientists fear repercussions from engaging around contentious subjects like climate change—anything from losing connections and opportunities, to jeopardizing their careers and credibility. But there are still productive conversations to be had, even in highly politicized environments. Continuing to engage, even when it’s difficult, is crucial for society...

Before you dive into creating your first Message Box, it’s good to brush up on a few principles that will help you craft messages that stick.  Think about where they’re coming from We all absorb information through the lens of our values and cultural identities. Many scientists believe that if they simply share the facts and data, the person they’re talking ...

I recently heard Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and an academic historian by training, address an audience of environmental and health scientists at the annual conference of the National Council on Science and the Environment. Gingrich, a staunch right-wing conservative whose relationship with science has been described as ...