Why do this?
If you’re a scientist, and are frustrated the others don’t understand the value of your work, I get it. I’ve been working for three scientific societies for nearly a decade, and I have watched well-intentioned scientists explain their work. But the audience doesn’t get it – either in written or verbal form.
I have some ideas on how this happens!
In my work, I’ve edited thousands of blog posts – for two blogs that have outstanding readership (10-40,000 per month!) I promise you, the public is out there “googling” for scientific topics. They are thirsty for knowledge. We just don’t present it in the right way.
We use field-specific jargon (complicated words.) We even use regular English grammar words that don’t track when you’re tired, hungry, or distracted – words like “elucidate,” “nexus,” “mitigate.” I get it, you talk to your peers like this. ALL. THE. TIME.
But there’s a problem with that. Even your peers are tired and hungry – and there is research to show that use of jargon is hurting your citation rate. Did that get your attention?
Take jargon. Add long sentences, spoken or written. Add acronyms. Add not pitching a lead – a “so what” right at the beginning. That’s right, communicating to the public is completely backwards from research writing.
In addition to the words we say or write, we also don’t provide the public with great visuals that help tell our story. It doesn’t take an expensive camera, but it does take some planning. And yet – you can use those visuals in your grant proposals! (Remember, the grant reviewers are generalists, like the public!)
It’ll take a little practice and an open mind, but I’m sure you can do it. And everyone will benefit when you do!
If you would like to submit an abstract for a case study, please go to the “contact” section and send me an email. I’d like to hear from you.
~Susan V. Fisk
Relatable Science 