How to Become an Effective Science Communicator
When getting started in the fields of science and conservation, it’s easy to forget what makes progress in this field possible: people.
These people are the ones on-the-ground doing the work, the ones in an office analyzing data and forming messaging, the ones watching the work from the outside, and so many others in between. The different roles don’t cross paths all that often, and some of the most important collaborations and messaging get lost in translation.
This is why it’s so important for each person entering the fields of science and conservation to get comfortable communicating their work. Many of us learn this too late.
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The land, water, wildlife and plant life that we are working to study and/or protect are depending on us to be their advocate. You’re doing the important work in one way or another. It’s time to take it to another level and create a space where those not in this field have access to it.
Build a bridge between your work and the people your work is serving. Like I said, the reason the work is even possible is because of the people within the community or the people funding the project. Community members in particular can become our greatest ambassadors.
Tell a compelling story about what your work is accomplishing. If you are collecting data on a specific wildlife species to be able to monitor its population, craft your story around why this is important. People want to know less about the how and more about the why. No matter what the focus of your project or program, you can get the people around you to buy into it by simply talking about it. All too often we put so much pressure on ourselves about getting the data right or the methodology right, and we lose sight of the simplicity in talking about what we do. This is casual. You do the work because of a passion lurking within you so why not share that passion with those around you.
Inspire action. This one may seem like the most difficult step, and I’m not going to lie, it isn’t the easiest. But, if you’re able to make your work accessible and tell a story about it, you can begin changing the behaviors of those around you by simply modeling it. Encourage the exciting possibilities of the general public or supporters getting involved in small ways. This will help to create a sense of purpose in them - showing them they can make a difference. Think citizen science, coffee chats, newsletters, tours, and the list goes on.
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There is one thing I haven’t told you yet. Not all of these things will work in every situation, but as we practice them, we will be able to adapt our communications to different situations. As long as you continue to draw on the connections you have in bringing people together, and become a good listener, you will see the changes begin to happen in your work. Most people want to be met where they are - find what types of communication they prefer and use that.
Sometimes I find myself designing communications and marketing pieces to what I like, but it’s important to take a step back and think about what those around you would prefer. When I began in this field more than ten years ago, the last thing I wanted to focus on was the people part of it. Over time, however, I realized that people make missions/programs/projects possible. It’s up to us to reflect on what we do, paint a picture of our vision or desired outcomes, and tell people about it.
