EASA-450 Scientific Communications, Spring 2005

Martha Davis - Chapter 1, To the Fledgling Scientist

Necessity of Communication

Science progresses by:

• personal education and knowledge of what has gone before

• research, both individual and group

• suitable environment, funding and resources

• accurate publication and communication of results and failures

 The latter is deemed essential by funding agencies, university faculty and peer groups.

Communication is a Skill

 Like all skills, it

• involves no special talent, although some rise to the challenge more than others

• involves writing and speaking without manipulation of meaning, subject material or personal prejudice

• requires hard work and practice

•  must generally be learned on the job

 Defining the Task

 Once the following questions are clear, the task of communication becomes much easier: 

• what is the purpose of the communication - get a job, do a class assignment, get a degree, publish a paper, get some grant funding, complain to the gas company?

• what questions need to be answered or conveyed?

• match the content of your work to the target audience

• use standard, conventional means, e.g. IMRADC (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions)

 Thinking About the Audience

You must put the audience first;

• you are responsible for making your subject clear to the intended audience

• a good proportion of every audience will not be experts in your subject

• the audience is human, too - with expectations, prejudices, foibles - and astuteness

• present your subject with conviction, sincerity, purpose and a positive attitude

• if you were in the audience, what would you like to hear about the subject you are presenting?

 Learn by Experience

• listen to and read carefully the presentations by your superiors and peers - what works, what doesn't?

• don't be afraid to ask your fellow students to read what you write - they can be extremely helpful

    [back]    [home]