Speaking the Same Language ™

Science Communication for Better Public Engagement

Case Study

Science Communication for Better Public Engagement is a foundational workshop designed to deliver core curriculum and exercises to help scientists and engineers successfully communicate with non-science audiences. The workshop was initially developed for the office of a chief provincial scientist and delivered through a series of workshops to scientists working throughout the province.

Learning Objectives

E

To provide an introduction to science communication, including the role of communication in science, and the cultural, practical and policy-related role of science communication in broader society;

E

To cultivate participants’ practical communication skills, with particular emphasis on effective speaking, writing and exhibiting on scientific and science-related topics to a variety of audiences;

E

To provide participants with a range of resources and skills for effective communication of complex material;

E

To develop and sharpen participants’ communication and interpersonal skills in areas such as: effective listening, understanding and interpreting body language, reading audiences and creating messages using simple and impactful language;

E

To help participants break through communication barriers to build respectful and trusting relationships. 

Workshop Outline

E

What is effective communication, anatomy of communication, the communication cycle and barriers to science communication;

E

Why communicate science, science communication theory, deficient to dialogue models of communication and how to measure effective communication;

E

Effectively communicating science to non-science audiences;

E

Interpersonal communication skills for building trust, elements of interpersonal communication including: listening, speaking effectively, making conversation and non-verbal communication;

E

Understanding your audience, audience analysis including: demographics, psychographics, personality and values, social, cultural, trust considerations;

E

Developing key messages and storytelling;

E

Communicating uncertainty and answering difficult questions;

E

Effective presentation skills, using science/engineering illustrations and demonstrations;

E

Effective dialogue, engagement and public consultation;

E

Cross-cultural science communication;

E

Methods and tools for developing effective communication strategies and measuring results.

Workshop Participant Feedback

By far the most comprehensive science communication workshop I’ve ever attended.

Great information! I especially liked that the workshop reflected our reality.

Excellent instructor, energizing and knowledgeable.

One of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. Organized, fast-paced and informative

Great job!

Five stars.