Do you ever feel stuck when trying to translate what you know about a subject to others? What benefits would come from communicating your message more effectively to your audience?
If you’re looking to improve your scientific writing and communication skills, you’re in the right place! Here is a formula with tips and tricks for effective science communication. Use this to build the skeleton of your message:
Invite- Invite them to be curious about your topic. A question is a great way to do this.
- How would our lives be altered if ________ was solved/created/discovered/eliminated/etc?
- Have you ever wondered how __________?
- Do you ever wish _________?
- Did you know _____?
Inform- State your main message, a couple supporting facts in an interesting way, and why people should care. What are the benefits that come from your discovery or idea?
- _______ was discovered.
- When researchers did ________, _______happened.
- That’s as much ____________ (unit of measurement) as ___________ (well known thing).
- This means _______.
- Now, we are able to _______.
Inspire- End with a way they can take an action.
- Follow/subscribe/go to website ________ for more information.
- You can help by sharing ________ with a friend.
- Donate here _______ to be a part of the solution.
- You can help too by _______.
- More and more communities are joining the cause. Find one near you by going to __________.
- Next time you _______, consider ______.
Your audience will affect the tone, style, and complexity of your message. You’ll want deliver your message differently if you’re making a 2 minute social media video vs. speaking at a community meeting vs. lecturing to college freshman for an hour vs. submitting an article to a news organization.
But including these basics in some capacity will help you get your message across.
Click here to see an example of these concepts in action.
Let me know in the comments if this was helpful or if you have any tips you want to share!
Sci Com Blog 