E-Book Overview
Most scientists and researchers aren’t prepared to talk to the press or to policymakers—or to deal with backlash. Many researchers have the horror stories to prove it. What’s clear, according to Nancy Baron, is that scientists, journalists and public policymakers come from different cultures. They follow different sets of rules, pursue different goals, and speak their own language. To effectively reach journalists and public officials, scientists need to learn new skills and rules of engagement. No matter what your specialty, the keys to success are clear thinking, knowing what you want to say, understanding your audience, and using everyday language to get your main points across.In this practical and entertaining guide to communicating science, Baron explains how to engage your audience and explain why a particular finding matters. She explores how to ace your interview, promote a paper, enter the political fray, and use new media to connect with your audience. The book includes advice from journalists, decision makers, new media experts, bloggers and some of the thousands of scientists who have participated in her communication workshops. Many of the researchers she has worked with have gone on to become well-known spokespeople for science-related issues. Baron and her prot?g?es describe the risks and rewards of “speaking up,” how to deal with criticism, and the link between communications and leadership. The final chapter, ‘Leading the Way’ offers guidance to scientists who want to become agents of change and make your science matter. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned veteran looking to hone your skills, Escape From the Ivory Tower can help make your science understood, appreciated and perhaps acted upon.
E-Book Content
Praise for Escape from the Ivory Tower “No one understands scientists the way Nancy Baron does. This book helps connect the worlds of science, journalism, and policy in very entertaining and insightful ways. If you care about linking science with action, this is the book to read.” — Pam Matson, Scientific Director of the Leopold Leadership Program, Woods Institute for the Environment and Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University “By challenging scientists to find and use their own voice, Nancy Baron has done more than anyone in the last decade to raise public awareness about our imperiled oceans. Not since Sir Peter Medawar published the classic Advice to a Young Scientist has so much wisdom been shared so concisely.” —Larry Crowder, Director, Duke Center for Marine Conservation “Nancy Baron is a master of the art of science communication. Escape from the Ivory Tower is essential reading for scientists who want their work understood by the public and decision makers.” — Natasha Loder, Science and Technology Correspondent, The Economist “In our age of information overload it is easy for research to disappear without a trace. If you want yours to get noticed, read Nancy Baron’s excellent guide.” — Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation, University of York and author of The Unnatural History of the Sea “At last! The definitive manual on communicating science effectively in an era of environmental change—Baron’s book provides the practical tools to make a difference.” — Diana Wall, Director, School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University Nancy Baron is the lead communications trainer for COMPASS and the Leopold Leadership Program. A science writer and zoologist, she helps scientists to communicate effectively with the media, decision makers, and the public. Over the past decade she has coached thousands of scientists. Escape from the Ivory Tower is a direct result of her experience. Cover design by Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich, de Vicq Studio Cover art courtesy of iStockphoto.com and Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich Washington | Covelo | London