As scientists we are trained to leave emotions behind, to be unbiased, and present our work in a very direct, factual way. Yet, there is an ever increasing need for scientists to connect with people on an emotional level, to allow them to really connect with and feel the value and wonder of science and nature. Emotions are an essential part of our learning process throughout our lives.
There are a few key ways that I see this happening. All of these are interrelated in that they require compassion, empathy, listening, and connecting with people on an emotional level.
1. Passion- bring passion to your science, your journey as a scientist, or the process of science and nature. Think about what got you excited to do what you do. I would guess it was probably insatiable curiosity, the experience of being out in nature, someone else's infectious enthusiasm, or something that had to do with an emotional connection to the subject.
2. Connect with others on basic human experiences and universal themes (check out this list)- Can you connect your work to a universal human theme? Do you have a great analogy that will clearly illustrate what you study and speak to people on a personal level? I study larval dispersal, so I often think about universal themes like parent-child relationships, kids going off to college, and reproduction. Also, people love journey, conflict, and exploration so I sometimes frame my work in the context of the epic journey larvae embark on from when they leave "home" and then have to find their way back to shore. Thus, it is important to know your audience and how you can relate to them- make it personal because your passion and genuine expression will come through most clearly and help them to feel connected to you and the subject.
3. Cultivate relationships- Relationships are about listening and trust- both of which are essential for effective science communication. Many people I talk to have been inspired to love nature or pursue science because of a family member, a teacher/mentor, or a friend who they connected with and shared the value.
4. Expand outside of your "comfort zone"- We receive validation when we build relationships with people like ourselves, and it can be challenging to connect with people that we feel do not share similar values. Yet, effective science communication requires reaching out to people in our communities and elsewhere and developing relationships with them.
5. Science communication is a two way street- Effective communication requires a sender and a receiver and you can't send something effectively if someone is not willing to receive. Thus, I think it is really important to engage in interactions in an open and accepting way. I tend to view it as developing a relationship- not trying to change the other person. Show them the fun and wonder, get them curious to explore more, empower people!
Now how do we go about bringing the above themes into our science communication endeavors? My favorite communication tools that integrate emotion are art and storytelling. Art is thought to be the most potent form of emotional communication. Therefore, using art to communicate the emotional components of science is crucial for effective science communication. In addition, storytelling is one of the oldest art forms and is a great way for people to share their experiences and feelings in an engaging way.
I encourage you to think about what your art and science passions are (even better if they seem completely unrelated) and combine them in novel and creative ways to more effectively communicate science.
There is great power in the motion of emotion in science communication!
There are a few key ways that I see this happening. All of these are interrelated in that they require compassion, empathy, listening, and connecting with people on an emotional level.
1. Passion- bring passion to your science, your journey as a scientist, or the process of science and nature. Think about what got you excited to do what you do. I would guess it was probably insatiable curiosity, the experience of being out in nature, someone else's infectious enthusiasm, or something that had to do with an emotional connection to the subject.
2. Connect with others on basic human experiences and universal themes (check out this list)- Can you connect your work to a universal human theme? Do you have a great analogy that will clearly illustrate what you study and speak to people on a personal level? I study larval dispersal, so I often think about universal themes like parent-child relationships, kids going off to college, and reproduction. Also, people love journey, conflict, and exploration so I sometimes frame my work in the context of the epic journey larvae embark on from when they leave "home" and then have to find their way back to shore. Thus, it is important to know your audience and how you can relate to them- make it personal because your passion and genuine expression will come through most clearly and help them to feel connected to you and the subject.
3. Cultivate relationships- Relationships are about listening and trust- both of which are essential for effective science communication. Many people I talk to have been inspired to love nature or pursue science because of a family member, a teacher/mentor, or a friend who they connected with and shared the value.
4. Expand outside of your "comfort zone"- We receive validation when we build relationships with people like ourselves, and it can be challenging to connect with people that we feel do not share similar values. Yet, effective science communication requires reaching out to people in our communities and elsewhere and developing relationships with them.
5. Science communication is a two way street- Effective communication requires a sender and a receiver and you can't send something effectively if someone is not willing to receive. Thus, I think it is really important to engage in interactions in an open and accepting way. I tend to view it as developing a relationship- not trying to change the other person. Show them the fun and wonder, get them curious to explore more, empower people!
Now how do we go about bringing the above themes into our science communication endeavors? My favorite communication tools that integrate emotion are art and storytelling. Art is thought to be the most potent form of emotional communication. Therefore, using art to communicate the emotional components of science is crucial for effective science communication. In addition, storytelling is one of the oldest art forms and is a great way for people to share their experiences and feelings in an engaging way.
I encourage you to think about what your art and science passions are (even better if they seem completely unrelated) and combine them in novel and creative ways to more effectively communicate science.
There is great power in the motion of emotion in science communication!