Speaking the language
A new practical course for postgraduate research students on
how to communicate science with the public.
The next course will be in Oxford on Tuesday 8 May
The course covers:
 General
 Rules
about presenting science to non-technical audiences
Providing
information for different types of audiences
Media
How
the media works
How
to interest the media in your science
How
to prepare for writing or speaking to the media
Schools
Working
with teachers and school students
Exhibitions
Putting
on exhibitions, meetings and open days
Sensitive
Issues
Recognising
and dealing with sensitive and controversial issues
The course takes place at a university / institute, and is informal,
with lots of opportunities for participants to contribute ideas
and opinions, discuss as a group and ask questions. The course
is run by BBSRC science communication professionals, together
with practising print and broadcast journalists / science writers.
| Session
1 |
Tips
for a new approach to presentations |
| |
Explores the background to science communication,
by looking at how the public thinks about science; what interests
different people and why; and how scientists can present their
research in ways that engage the public rather than put them
off. |
| Session
2 |
Advice
that is useful for all types of report writing |
| |
Looks at the use of language in communication;
translating 'science speak' into everyday English; the use
of metaphors and analogies to describe science. |
| Session
3 |
Information
'from the horses mouth' |
| |
Explores the ingredients that make up a good
science news story, how it is written and the obstacles to
getting coverage. Includes 'a day in the life of a newpaper
journalist,' the golden rules for writing a media release
or article; and what works well with radio. |
| Practical
1 |
Builds
confidence and gives practical experience |
| |
Participants write a short science news story
based around the research they do, putting into practice the
guidelines they have received. Stories are discussed in the
group with the science writer. Everyone learns from and helps
each other. |
| Practical
2 |
Do
not be at a loss for words ever again. You will be surprised
how much info/key messages you can get across in 2 minutes |
| |
Participants practise giving '2 minute presentations'
about their research project to a range of 'virtual' visitors,
ranging from the Prime Minister to a local journalist, to
a primary school teacher, to a venture capitalist. Feedback
from the group helps in producing succinct and attractive
'soundbites' that get the message across in the most appropriate
way, and in tailoring your response to different audiences. |
| Session
4 |
Make
the next open day go with a bang |
| |
Looks at the challenges and opportunities of
presenting research at public exhibits and events and in schools.
It covers exhibition planning, design and logistics, costs
and evaluation, and how to make links with schools. |
| Practical
3 |
Gets
your thinking in place - learn how to prepare before
you are asked that awkward question |
| |
Participants work in the group to identify and
address social, ethical and other issues away from a series
of hypothetical research grant awards. |
| Practical
4 |
Can
you come up with an idea for something new and original? |
| |
Participants work in small groups to plan and
design a public exhibition on a topic, and at a venue of their
choice. They present their proposal to a 'virtual' funding
panel for approval/rejection. |
|
|
Closing
discussion and exhibition |
The next course will be in Oxford on Tuesday 8 May
For more information, please contact Simon
Wilde, BBSRC Public Affairs Branch.
- [ top ] -
 Communicating
with the public guidance notes
|
Resource
materials
Scientist-school
links
