Communicating Science as Scientists

Science is a difficult language, just as finance, sociology, physics and computer science are. We are immersed in our own jargon soup. Often times, we are even aware of it. Some of us take pride in our "sophistication" in using words that have no meaning to the people outside of our little comfort circle, some of us don't even fully understand the meaning of these abbreviated and scienced-up words that it is hard for us to explain in a plain way. But in order to touch lives, which is what science is about, we need to be able to connect real people with real events.

I have recently met with and attended talks by journalists and reporters who are passionate about bridging the gap between hard science and the laymen. This is more than just about getting the message across, it is also about getting people to care about your research and results.

So here, I've summarized some tips for scientists to write better. Of course, we shouldn't dumb down science to the simplest of levels so that people are allowed to stay simple. That is my personal stand. I believe that anyone has the capability to think and comprehend in complex ways. We shouldn't be the only ones cracking our heads trying to get our message across -- news flash: writing and coming up with understandable gibberish is hard work, y'all! We just have to be able to write in a way for people who are equally willing to take the effort to understand our work. With that said, writers and readers have to come to a common ground, without compromising the beauty and complexity of nature and everything in it.

What we want is a nation of informed people, people who will make the right decisions because of what they read. And what they read depends on what we write and how we write it.

Tip #1:  Always choose accuracy over sensationalism. 

Allow me to explain. Accuracy means that your words are based on data and facts that are derived from data. Sensationalism is often the compromising of accuracy where you try to tweak the facts and say something interesting but inaccurate that turns your topic into 'click-baits' and provoke the interest of your audience.

This is the core rule we should live by. Although biodiversity and climate change stories are difficult to sell to your news editor or doesn't attract as many readers, it doesn't hurt to be accurate in what you say.

Tip #2: Put a human face to the issue you are presenting.

People may care more when they can relate to what they are reading. Orang Asli are people too, use their stories to talk about logging and poorly managed translocation of animals. Use the economic cost of traffic jams to raise the concern on greenhouse gases and global warming.

Tip #3: A camera is a man's best tool.

Use compelling photographs and videos to capture touching moments. Take a photography course, you don't have to own an expensive camera. In an age of short attention span, a photo is best to catch the attention of your audience and urge them to read on.

But be careful not to use misleading photos.

Tip #4: Use the HOPE model.

H is for Holistic. Touch on the interconnected-ness of your subject to the issues surrounding it.

O is for Future-Oriented. Present the long-term effects of the issue you are raising.

P is for Participatory. Write in a way that inspires people to take action.

E is for Empowerment. Equip the audience with the relevant knowledge and thus empower them to make the right move.

Even if you can't incorporate all of these aspects in your writing, include at least some of them. A HOPE-less article will create a hopeless nation.

Source: Mr Jessada Salathong, Lecturer, ​Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, news anchor and radio host.

Tip #5: Choose a compelling narrative.

When talking about animals, it pays to pick out an individual to present a bigger problem. Scientists in their natural habitat are expected to never talk about a one-point data. A small sample size (for non-scientists, this means the number of records you use in a study to prove or falsify a theory) is frowned upon because of its inadequacy to account for the big picture or a general trend. But if you want to awaken interest, take that individual that bugs you. This one bird may have an interesting fly way for a migratory bird -- use this as a story to talk about the impacts of deforestation or global warming. This one elephant may be acting in a way that no elephants should act in an unfamiliar location -- use this to voice out about the dangers of fallacious translocation of pregnant female elephants. There are many ways that one individual can be the ambassador of its species.

Interesting: What is watermelon snow?

Source: Vinitha Ramani, Assistant Manager at Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Tip #6: Keep the message new.

Keep doing it. And do it while it's fresh. Always look for stories and impacts that are still fresh in the people's memories. Like floods and water shortage. Talk about their cause and what can people do. Pressure the right people in the right amount. Sometimes the 'doom-and-gloom' approach will only make people feel paralyzed. Empower people and make them realize their potential for change.

Tip #7: Read outside your field.

Surprise, surprise. To write better you gotta read more. Read the good stuff to train your brain's pen, and read the bad stuff to never repeat them. Read books that teach you how to write, read crappy news articles, read science that you don't understand. One day, you will find your style and avoid reproducing the bad stuff altogether.

Remember: It is easy to stay in your academic bubble. And sometimes that is necessary to be good at what you do. But you need to come up to the surface sometimes. Words can make or break a nation. Choose them wisely and watch your influence grow.

Happy influencing!