Description
Book SynopsisChampioning Science shows scientists how to persuasively communicate complex scientific ideas to decision makers in government, industry, and education. This comprehensive guide provides real-world strategies to help scientists develop the essential communication, influence, and relationship-building skills needed to motivate nonexperts to understand and support their science. Instruction, interviews, and examples demonstrate how inspiring decision makers to act requires scientists to extract the essence of their work, craft clear messages, simplify visuals, bridge paradigm gaps, and tell compelling narratives. The authors bring these principles to life in the accounts of science champions such as Robert Millikan, Vannevar Bush, scientists at Caltech and MIT, and others. With Championing Science, scientists will learn how to use these vital skills to make an impact.
Trade Review"Aines and Aines provide many practical tips and tricks for improving science communication at all levels, from one-on-one conversations to congressional testimony. It is a process that improves with constant attention and practice. Now more than ever, we need to be more effective champions of our work. We know how to communicate with our peers; let’s use this book and its methods to extend our reach and convey the same sense of wonder and excitement we feel about the process of scientific discovery to everyone." * Science *
"A fruitful read for scientists who frequently have to deal with stakeholders." * Conservation Biology *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
PART ONE. FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS FOR CHAMPIONING SCIENCE
1 Becoming a Champion
2 Self-Aware and Self-Correcting: The Key to Effective Communication
3 Extracting the Essence
4 Who’s Listening? Know Your Audience
5 Why Scientists Communicate Poorly outside Their Field
PART TWO. MECHANICS OF CHAMPIONING SCIENCE
6 The First Two Minutes: Show Your Passion
7 Crafting Key Messages and Narratives
8 The Power of Language
9 Designing Effective Visuals
PART THREE. HONING YOUR COMMUNICATION, INFLUENCE, AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE SKILLS
10 Improving Your Speaking Skills
11 Influence and Persuasion
12 Managing Your Emotions
PART FOUR. APPLYING THE CHAMPIONING SCIENCE SKILLS
13 Translations, Templates, and White Papers
14 Strategies for Creating Successful Relationships with Sponsors
15 Exercises for Applying the Championing Science Skills
16 High-Impact Examples of Championing for a Cause
Appendix: The Champion’s Bookshelf
Notes
Index
