Week 6 - Science Communication

Question 1

Why do we need science communication?

Answer 1

Accurately convey findings, inform policy and practice, prevent misinformation, foster interdisciplinary communication

Question 2

Forms of science communication

Answer 2

Journal articles, industry reports, posters, conference presentations, executive summary, newspaper articles, funding pitches

Question 3

Common themes in science communication

Answer 3

Consider aim and audience, clarity (structure, logical, consistent), concision

Question 4

Engaging presentation - before you start

Answer 4

What is the purpose of the presentation?
Who is the audience?
Read instructions and follow them

Question 5

Preparing presentation - general issues

Answer 5

Clarity - easy to read (large text, spacing, background, simple fonts, less ink more think), easy to follow (logical progression, simple content, consistent terminology, colour use, clear diagrams)
Engagement - involve audience (real-life demos), images (jokes in moderation), animations (use in moderation, no gifs)

Question 6

The slides

Answer 6

Title slide (what is it about?)
- Engaging, large title (2-part)
Introduction slide
- Motivate audience, significance
Background slide
- Lit survey, gap in knowledge
Research question slide
- Very important, simple and let it sink in
Methods slide
- Design, procedure, analysis strategy, innovations/problems, diagrams
Hypotheses/predictions slide
- Hypotheses in words, predictions in graphical form (same graph format in results)
Results slide
- Minimal text, graphs, point out significant effects
Conclusions slide
- Concise summary, limitations, implications
Acknowledgements/questions slide

Question 7

Delivering presentation

Answer 7

What to do - enthusiasm, pace delivery, be honest
What not to do - bluff, overconfident, sloppy speech
Dealing with nerves - practice!, use equipment you’re familiar with
Dealing with questions - be polite, don’t answer what you don’t know, accept criticism, recognise future work suggestions