What is science communication?
Science communication is what makes science, science. It is the process of breaking down the complex science that research has discovered over the years into messages that are comprehendible to the general public.
Scientists dedicate their lives to asking questions and finding answers, so we can better understand universe around us. The main driving force behind all of the discovery that takes place, is to help people. Without science communication, nobody would know why science is important as it is and how it helps them.
So how do scientists become good communicators? and non-scientists become good receivers? The answer is learning.
To make your life easier we have compiled six must-read science communication books:
The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century - Steven Pinker
The majority of science communication relies on the written medium: scientific journals, websites, books and magazines. Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist and best selling author, provides a style guide for effective science writing.
With the use of neuroscience, Pinker beautifully explains the best way to write based on how our brains acknowledge words on a page.
Whilst some readers may be put off by its rather detailed approach to describing the technical aspects of writing. Many will enjoy the guide to manufacturing elegant, fact filled writing.
You can get this book here.
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating - Alan Alda
In this book, Alan Alda presents an engrossing, yet highly informative case on the importance of communicating better - including many innovative ways to help people do so.
sometimes it's hard to know whether or not your message is fully resonating with your reader, or listener. Alda places a large focus on empathy and emotion, whilst providing brilliant advice on reading peoples' emotions and responses to understanding if you are connecting.
You can get this book here.
Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter - Nancy Baron
This is a 'how-to' guide for scientists to communicate their findings to a much broader audience.
Nancy Baron fills the book with eye-opening insights into what policymakers and journalists expect from scientists and how their expectations differ from what scientists expect from them.
With a strong focus on preparing researchers to work with and use media to circulate their research. How to make the most of interviews and also how to deal with any misrepresentation by the media are all practical take-aways from this book.
You can get this book here.
Connection: Hollywood Storytelling Meets Critical Thinking - Dr. Randy Olson
Dr. Randy Olson, a tenured professor in marine biology who decided the life in Hollywood better suited him as he pursued mastering the art of film making. Dr. Olson has a well trained eye for both science and engaging story telling.
Connection is the ultimate guide. After reading this book you will walk away with techniques that you can apply immediately to make your story telling not only more engaging but also easier to comprehend.
With brilliant templates for improving the clarity of any communication, and well thought out reasoning Connection is a brilliant book for anyone interested in science communication.
You can get this book here.
Championing Science: Communicating Your Ideas to Decision Makers - Dr. Roger Aines and Amy Aines
Communicating science is persuading your audience that what you're talking about matters to them. This is critical in trying to make an impact and inspire a societal shift
Championing Science is a comprehensive guide on how to persuasively communicate your complex scientific ideas to decision makers.
With common mistakes outlined, and clear examples provided alongside strategies and practical tips, this book will help your make your message resonate with anyone you desire.
You can get this book here.
Books do Furnish a Life: An Electrifying Celebration of Science Writing - Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins, is one of the best at taking science out of the labs and moving it to the corridors of power and into the light of society.
This book celebrates writers who communicate their ideas of science and the natural world in both fiction and non-fiction. Celebrating the courage it takes for those who write about protecting the truths of science.
You can get this book here.
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