Explaining your research can sometimes be the hardest part for a scientist. You may find the general public tuning you out when you try to explain difficult topics. Don’t be discouraged. Here are 10 helpful tips to guide communicating science to the lay community:

1. Share your discoveries early on in your research. Talking with the public about your research will not only help your professional development, but it can also help guide your research based on the feedback you receive from others. Sharing your ideas – why they are important and why the public should care – also increases science literacy.
2. Be aware of bias. When sharing your research or idea, take in account the audiences personal viewpoints without pandering to them.
3. Put your science in context. Assume your audience does not have your specialty. Always start by giving context to why your research or findings are important.
4. Tell a story. People learn and make decisions based on stories they hear. Scientist should relate emotionally to their audience. Tell a story to humanize yourself or use real world analogies or metaphors to describe your research.
5. Use visual aids sparingly. They are aids to your presentation – not its sum and substance. Using visual aids is meant to highlight and support your key points.
6. Be patient. Not everyone is going to understand your science right away. Learn how to be flexible and explain your science in different ways.
7. No science jargon. Speak like you are talking to a sixth grader. The public won’t understand your acronyms or science heavy terms.
8. Prepare your speech. Bad talks confuse people and discourage them from coming back or asking questions.
9. Get to the point. Scientist are trained to describe a ton of details and background information. When talking to the public or policymakers, the key points and findings need to be delivered early and concisely.
10. Three points. Work hard to keep your message memorable, meaningful and miniature.

To better enhance your science communication, CCTS also offers many trainings throughout the year including CCTS Friday Fellows Meeting and CCTS Training Interdisciplinary & Emerging Research Scholars (TIERS). For a full list of CCTS events, visit our upcoming events and recurring events page. Subscribe to the CCTS Digest to stay informed about upcoming learning opportunities.