How to talk science without sounding like a pompous jerk

The class I am taking this summer is rather unique, though it certainly shouldn't be. I'm trying to develop lifelong skills necessary (in my opinion) for success in academia, but they are skills woefuly ignored. Specifically, I'm trying to learn to be a better communicator with those outside my field of research.

Video interviewing at Medill

As students in classes taught by famous, yet boring professors can attest- being a great researcher does not mean you are a great communicator. It doesn't even mean you are a good one.  Northwestern University offers a wonderful program to help turn this pattern around, called 'Ready, Set, Go!' The aim of this program is to help scientists and researchers across all disciplines to disseminate their work to the broader world. It's a surprisingly daunting task.

For one thing, content really does matter. On my first day with the other students, I realized that my research is at somewhat of an advantage. I study human systems (memory and sleep) so they are easier to understand intuitively. My classmates studying nanoparticles or non-newtonian fluids have a lot more jargon to deal with the complex systems they study. Learning to cut back the three-plus syllable words is only the first step. We have also learned how to use analogies, craft stories, and pull approachable aspects of our research to the forefront. All of these pieces must fit together to create a coherent story.

Beyond storytelling, there are also other aspects to consider. For instance, this week we spent our class time in the Medill television studio to record interviews on our research. It quickly became apparent that outside of knowing the research, we had to know how to turn a question towards a topic we want to discuss and and leave hooks for other points you want to make, so the interviewer can pick them up.

And of course, we must remember the physical aspects of a tv interview. To look like a credible source, you need to dress the part. Wearing bold colors (but no patterns), sitting at the edge of the chair to avoid slumping, and wearing a suit jacket are all tricks that you only realize after watching yourself on the screen. Although I still feel there are many things I'd like to tweak on my interview, I think my last take was a solid of example of how to put some of the skills I've learned into action.

Of course, the class isn't quite over yet. I will be making a final video where I will explain my research in full, and hopefully get to play with some neat video editing tools. I will certainly be posting that video, along with a recap, when the summer ends.

But for now, I'm actually going on holiday to Europe. I'll try to post updates of my trip here, though don't expect too much science- I'll mostly be enjoying local culture and food!