Science Communication Talks, Trainings and Workshops

Talks/Seminars 

 

​Science Communication 101

What is science communication? How can scientists utilize behavioral psychology, storytelling and tools like social media to engage with different audiences from the podium to the pub(lic)? Learn about some of the challenges, rewards and best practices of communicating science in the public sphere.

 

Social Media for Scientists

We will discuss the current social media landscape as well as best practices, tips, guidelines, and inspirations for multiple social media platforms. We’ll also talk about how you can utilize social media to disseminate your science, build your professional network, and find opportunities for collaboration. Designed for scientists, ideal for beginners, but helpful for everyone.

 

Social Media for Science Programs

We will discuss the current social media landscape as well as best practices, tips, guidelines, and inspirations for multiple social media platforms. We’ll also talk about how you can utilize social media to expand your network, create buzz around your program, conceive and execute campaigns, and build public trust in science and scientists.

 

Social Media for Educators

Learn about the current social media landscape as well as best practices, tips, guidelines, and inspirations for multiple social media platforms. We’ll also talk about how you can help guide your students to become savvy, responsible digital citizens and brainstorm about how to use social media as an educational tool for both you and your students.

 

Geohazards Communication

Our communication has an impact. When we are communicating about hazards--which can affect people’s lives, livelihoods, and mental health--we need to be particularly cognizant of the impact of our words, tone, and images. In this talk we’ll discuss critical elements of hazards communication, including the role of trust, the importance of consistent messaging and the psychology of risk, as well as give recommended practices, tips and tricks for communicating effectively about hazards.

 

Earthquakes: why, what and where

Earthquakes are the world’s deadliest natural hazard, striking without warning and potentially impacting millions of people in just minutes. But why do they happen and what are scientists doing to understand when and where they might happen next? In this talk, earthquake geologist Dr. Wendy Bohon will outline general earthquake science concepts like what quakes are, where and why they occur, and their potential impacts on human structures. She'll then take you on a journey from the deep earth (using seismology to map the Earth’s interior) to space (using satellite data to map rocks and faults). On the way you’ll learn about how we study ancient earthquakes and what these events can teach us about our seismic future.

 

Science Communication for Social Justice

Science communicators have a particular responsibility to promote an ethical, diverse, inclusive culture across the sciences, while consciously increasing access to science information to all sectors of the public. We can and must start to make thoughtful, meaningful changes in who presents information, what we present, and how we present it. We will share some ideas and examples of how to produce social media content to engage with diverse audiences, give tips for improving accessibility, and provide guidelines for amplifying the voices of diverse scientists on social media and in mass media.

 

Additional Topics

• Misinformation: what it is and how to counter it

• Trust and communication

• Media Relations 101

• East Coast Earthquakes

• Earthquakes for Kids!

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Informational Sessions 

 

Lightning Talks / Ignite Talks

Lightning talks are short, entertaining, interesting talks, but how do you put one together? This informational session will give you guidelines for constructing different types of lightning talks and provide tips and tricks for presentations people will love!

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Engaging Webinars

None of us want to sit through another boring online webinar, and we certainly don’t want to give one. In this short informational session we’ll share tricks and tools to help keep people engaged in during webinars.

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How to Give a Good Conference Talk

Whether you are an experienced presenter or preparing to give your first conference talk, this informational, online session will give you tips, tricks and best practices to help you craft a great presentation!

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How to Give a Good Poster Presentation

A good poster presentation should tell a complete and compelling story in 3 minutes or less, but how? This session will break down the basics on knowing your audience, crafting your message, and honing your delivery so that you can make the most out of your time at your poster.

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Workshops Topics

 

• Science Communication Basics

• Working with the Media

• Scientific Storytelling

• Elevator Pitches for different audiences

• Recognizing and eliminating jargon

• Finding points of connection

• Networking

• Determining your Mission, Vision and Values

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Sequenced Workshops

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Sequence 1: Scicomm Basics, Education focus (6 hours)

• Making Meaning Activity: Brainstorm the ingredients of a meaningful informal learning experience

• Personal Learning Activity: Explore how people learn with an appreciation for different backgrounds and perspectives

• Words Matter Activity: Identify jargon as a communications barrier

• What’s My Why? Activity: Develop and practice elevator speeches for different audiences

• Social Media (talk): Learn and share best practices in social media for science communication, and how to navigate contentious topics in social media and beyond (50 min)

• Trust in Science Communication (Talk): How to earn it, how to keep it

• Points of Connection (Activity)

• Misinformation (talk): Why it spreads and how to stop it

• Goal setting and group discussion

 

Sequence 2: SciComm Basics, Student focus (8 hours)

• Making Meaning Activity: Brainstorm the ingredients of a meaningful informal learning experience

• Personal Learning Activity: Explore how people learn with an appreciation for different backgrounds and perspectives

• Building a common vision: identify our professional blind spots

• Words Matter Activity: Identify jargon as a communications barrier

• What’s My Why? Activity: Develop and practice elevator speeches for different audiences

• Working with the media activity: Understand the needs and perspectives of journalists and scientists for better working relationships

• Social media for Scientists (talk): Learn how to leverage social media for science communication

• Points of Connection (Activity)

• Visualizing your science

 

Sequence 3: Media Training (4-5 hours)

• Words Matter Activity: Identify jargon as a communications barrier

• Working with the Media activity: Understand the needs and perspectives of journalists and scientists for better working relationships

• Media Relations 101 (talk)

• Lights, Camera, Action! Activity: practice working with different types of media, including creating talking points and talking on camera or to a reporter

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Sequence 4: Networking! (3-4 hours)

• Networking 101 (talk)

• Words Matter Activity: Identifying jargon

• What’s My Why? Activity: Develop and practice elevator speeches for different audiences

• Social Media for Scientists (Talk and discussion)

• Media 101 (Talk)