#SciCommTip 11 [1/2]
You're a #scientist & want to communicate to the public? Excellent! This is my most important tip for you:
🔵 Scientists usually spend most of their time thinking & talking about the "WHAT?" (e.g. describing a new type of [x]).
🔵 Lay people, however, want to know about the "SO WHAT?". Essentially, you've gotta explain how your results affect THEM or why they should care.
This holds for every format (#interview, #SocialMedia post, …)
#SciCommTip 11 [2/2]
Examples:
Scientist: „COVID cases are rising.“
Public: „Do we need to get a jab? Mask?“
➡️ Ask non-scientist friends which questions they may have. Formulate answers to these.
S: „We found a new type of cell in the liver.“
P: „Uhum??“
➡️ Oftentimes a scientific discovery will not be relevant for individuals. It may still be appealing to people with an interest in #science. Clearly state the relevancy for your field („We finally understand how …, which is important b/c…“)!
Pinky and the Brain | Scicomm