Have you ever rushed while packing for a trip, only to get to your destination without a toothbrush, extra socks – or goodness forbid a crucial power cord? I myself keep a running list in my suitcase for packing.
When communicating to the public, it’s important to take the time to plan and write an outline or script, using a similar checklist. Why? Planning helps you:
- confirm you have a catchy lead.
- insert anchors into your communications.
- check your readability level.
- look for jargon.
- determine if you have photos to augment your words.
- create a summary to emphasize your points.
Just like travel essentials, the bulleted items are crucial to successful #SciComm. If you’re blogging, of course everything will need to be written. If you’re doing a public presentation, an outline at the very least should include your lead, anchors and photos. You can even jot down typical jargon and substitute words to help your audience.
By planning out and writing down communications, you’ll also have a log to reuse at a future date when you are invited back!
For oral presentations, if you are able to go further than an outline, writing down a rough script helps you review your message and check for timing. It allows you to read your communication out loud.
In many cases, writing your communications will also help you make them shorter. You’ve already learned that the public’s attention is short, and we have a lot of “noise” competing for their attention.
Taking the time to simplify your presentation and make it more concise will increase the relatability of your communications. You’ll be more streamlined, leaving time for questions and answers, and truly engaging with your audience. And it will lead you to a strong summary as you wrap-up. This will reinforce your message that your work is truly important and impactful!
Written by Susan V. Fisk, BS(Chem), M.Ed., MBA. Copyright by author.
More blogs about Sci Comm:
Communicating so people understand (Readability)
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