Meeting Abstract
It is more critical than ever that scientists effectively communicate their research (whether to students, a grant committee, family, policymakers or the person standing in line behind you at the grocery store), but few programs offer scientists with the necessary tools and perspectives to do so. As a professional science writer for the last 19 years, I have learned the power of compelling science narratives for print and online publications and want to share some of my favorite tips for making science communication informative and entertaining. By painting a visual image for your audience, whether through images, graphics, video, or other unique media, a scientist’s research becomes an intriguing and relatable tale. My work with the entertainment industry over the last several years has given me a unique perspective on how to reach broader audiences and find new ways to introduce science into storytelling. Storytelling can give research a “face” and science can inspire imaginative stories. By examining science communication from the perspectives of a scientist, journalist and screenwriter, I will show how each point-of-view complements and enhances each other. People love to tell and listen to stories. For example, scientific theories are really narratives and scientists are already telling stories all the time without even realizing it. When you share your passion and also your research struggles, you can engage an audience more effectively than by stating a laundry list of facts and figures. For screenwriters, I discovered that I could offer science truth that was more fascinating than their science fiction ideas. Both of these ideas are supported by my experience and research in the field of science communication.
